Goodfellows in need of toys

By Monica Green/features@trcle.com

December 05, 2008 11:03 am

— A group that tries to make Christmas brighter for Johnson County children is asking for more donations.
Goodfellows, an annual program conducted by the International Order of King’s Daughters circles in Johnson County, provides Christmas boxes full of toys, clothes, books and other items to needy families for Christmas.
“We have 714 children, serving 241 families this year,” said Verna, a Goodfellows representative. King’s Daughters members do not use their last names in publicity. “That is a record number of kids.”
The anticipated average number of children is 400 to 500 children, so more items are needed for the extra families.
A toy drive held Sunday struggled because of harsh weather. Cleburne ISD schools are opening their doors to help.
“We are making a plea to all of Johnson County to drop off new toys, wrapped or unwrapped, at any elementary school,” Verna said.
The toys will be collected on Thursday and distributed to families on Dec. 13 at First Baptist Church in Cleburne.
“The need is greater this year,” Verna said. “So we definitely need more help.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Times-Review, 108 S. Anglin St., or mailed to Goodfellows at P.O. Box 1411, Cleburne, TX 76033.
For information on Goodfellows or toy pickups, call 817-558-0583.

Photos

The Girls of Grace Circle of King’s Daughters are selling raffle tickets for a Nintendo DS. Pictured are Tamera and Stephanie. Tickets are $1 and may be purchased at RE/MAX of Cleburne through Thursday. Drawing will be Friday. Proceeds benefit local charities. Members of King’s Daughters do not use their last names in publicity.