Goodfellows of Lee County looks to buy Dixon church

DIXON - The Goodfellows of Lee County is on the brink of purchasing a new home.

The 109-year-old charitable organization has been on the hunt for a new facility for about 2 years, hoping to buy or build a permanent location to house operations.

The organization is looking to purchase the Lincoln Avenue Church of God property at 704 S. Lincoln Ave. in Dixon for $150,000, as the church plans to move into a building across from Sauk Valley Community College, according to a letter from the church to congregation members.

The purchase is contingent on the church receiving a special-use permit from the county to operate as a place of worship; the Lee County Zoning Board unanimously gave the proposal a favorable recommendation, which will go to the Lee County Board for a final vote Thursday.

Goodfellows President Clara Harris could not comment on plans to buy the property Tuesday, as the deal has yet to be finalized.

If finalized, the church would move out in January, according to the letter. The vacant property the church would move into is located on Sauk Road across from the college.

Goodfellows is most known for helping hundreds of families during the holiday season with gifts and food vouchers, but it also gives away furniture, clothing, books and other household items to those in need.

The nonprofit also assists with many organizations and events including Shop with a Cop and Shop with a Sheriff, YWCA of the Sauk Valley, Teen Turf, Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way of Lee County, Dixon PADS Shelter, Dixon Food Pantry, as well as area schools and churches.

In 2019, Goodfellows moved from its location in the lower level of 113 S. Peoria Ave. and carted 40 truckloads of donations to a temporary home at the Franklin Grove Church of the Brethren, 121 W. North St.

Call 815-973-5135 or go to goodfellowsofleecounty.org for more information or to volunteer for the Goodfellows of Lee County, a 501c3 charitable organization.

Checks made out to Goodfellows of Lee County can be mailed to P.O. Box 674, Dixon, IL 61021.