For over 50 years, the Kingsville Goodfellows have brought joy to our community. Alex McHardy, President for the past three years, credits the volunteerism of approximately 30 members. From providing Christmas baskets, Easter hams, Toys for Tots and more, the Goodfellows are known for helping families in need.

President McHardy, Vice President Richard Poublon, Secretary Sandy Repko and Treasurer Debbie Allsop lead the Kingsville Goodfellows in service to others. Tom and Linda Bishop, Leon and Nancy Barlow, Chris Allsop, Trudy McHardy and many more all have specific roles to play.

At this time of year annually, the Goodfellows are gearing up for the Toys for Tots and Food Basket programs. Last year, because of their dedication, 133 clients enjoyed food baskets and 124 children received Christmas gifts.

Things look very different this year in the midst of this pandemic, but Alex and his team are not letting it slow them down. They are finding solutions to every obstacle. Kingsville is a giving community and this has never been more evident.

Thanks to Keepsake Flowers for the use of his roller system to move products from one point to another, they`ll make it work.

Christmas Baskets

The Goodfellows are not able to welcome volunteers this year, which makes their job even more challenging. They are beginning to sort what is left from the Miracle Food Drive and other donations. It will take three or four days of packing — twice as long as it used to take — and then they’ll also face the challenges of moving items up and down the stairs of the basement at Epworth United Church.

In the past, students from KDHS held competitions in their senior year to gather canned goods. Restrictions imposed by COVID-19 will likely make that impossible this year. Yet, people continue to need support.

Anyone can make a monetary donation by mailing a cheque to:

P.O. Box 172
Kingsville
Ontario
N9Y 2E9

Kingsville Community Food Bank 

To make things easier, the Goodfellows are partnering with our local food bank. In lieu of mailing your donation, you can drop off an envelope for the Goodfellows at the Kingsville Community Food Bank, located at 18 Division Street North. Its regular operating hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

If you would like to donate food items, Alex is taking phone calls directly at (519) 733-4239.

Anyone who is in need and resides in the municipality of Kingsville is asked to go to the food bank or call at (519) 733-8591 to sign up between November 10th and 26th. A representative from Goodfellows will contact you to complete the registration.

The pick-up day for Christmas baskets is set for December 18th at Epworth United Church from 9 a.m. till noon. Clients will be greeted by smiling, dedicated Goodfellows who will be outside and loading vehicles with baskets and toys.

Toys for Tots and Stuffing a Fire Truck

Toys for Tots is exciting for all, from the time of donations until the presents are in the hands of a child on Christmas morning. Much appreciation to Red Apple, Dr. Mark Olivito and Associates, and the Royal Bank of Canada for being Toys for Tots drop-off locations again this year.

Toys for Tots wouldn’t be possible without Lorne Bradt and his team, who organize the toys for the children, so they are ready for the pick-up day on December 18th. All donations of new, unwrapped toys are appreciated! (No stuffed animals this year please.)

Let’s not forget to Stuff a Fire Truck on December 5th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Red Apple parking lot. All are welcome.

Our Thanks

Whether it’s tackling advertising, correspondence, financials, registrations, sorting, packing or distribution, the Goodfellows have it more than covered. How it all comes to fruition will look very different this year, but in the end, as many families as possible will feel the spirit, warmth and joy of the season. This is and will always be the Goodfellows’ goal.

There is no way this could be done every year without the help of the caring members who are reliable, dedicated and driven to help others. Our community thanks each one of them!

All photos by Lynn McLaughlin:
The Goodfellows began sorting for Christmas baskets on Tuesday, October 27th.
John Leach, Barry and Rob Pettapiece, Richard and Dean Poublon, Norm Buchanan, Trudy and Alex McHardy, Fran, and Don Coghill and Linda Bishop have quite a system in place as they move and begin to organize the food in the basement of Epworth United Church.

Dates, Times and Locations to Remember:

Toys for Tots drop-off locations:
Red Apple at 33 Division North
Dr. Mark Olivito and Associates at 87 Main Street East
Royal Bank of Canada at 11 Division Street North

Stuff a Fire Truck on December 5th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
Red Apple parking lot at 33 Division North

To donate to the Kingsville Community Food Bank:
Call Alex at (519) 733-4239
Send a cheque to PO Box 172 Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2E9
Go to the food bank at 18 Division Street North

To sign up to receive a Christmas Basket:
Call (519) 733-8591 between November 10th and 26th
Go to the Kingsville Community Food Bank

Kingsville Community Food Bank Location and Hours:
18 Division Street North
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Christmas Basket Pick-up on December 18th from 9 a.m. till noon:
Location is Epworth United Church at 56 Division Street South