SIOUX CITY -- The Christmas spirit of giving was alive and well as Mr. Goodfellow volunteers handed out toys to needy families Saturday.
The 2024 distribution was completed this weekend at Seaboard Triumph Expo Center. A distribution day was also held last Sunday.
"We just have one purpose and that is to try to make children's lives a little brighter at Christmas for those that are in need," said Gregg Lucken, a board member of Goodfellow Charities and Little Dog Auction Club. "Everything that we raise by selling the dog goes to Goodfellow and all the Goodfellow funds go to buy toys for kids."
The 2024 Little Yellow Dog, Ruby Sue, half Irish Setter and half miniature poodle, was auctioned off a week ago to Don and Cari Lemley, Sioux City, with the winning bid of $18,300.
Angie Dye, President of Goodfellow Charities, said the organization served boys and girls ages 12 and under from 1,800 Siouxland families in 2024.
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"We have a whole bunch of volunteers that are helping grab gifts and give them to the families," Dye said.
The number of kids per family could range from one to seven or more, Dye added.
"It really is heartwarming to see all the families come in and just how appreciative they are. For some these will be the only gifts these children will have. And to be able to supply that to them is just amazing," she said.
Daisy Gomez and Eva Mann, both of Sioux City, were grateful for the extra help this holiday season. Gomez has five children, ages 2-9. Mann is the mother of four children ranging in age from 2 to 12.
"It means a lot. It is a little help especially in this day and age. I work two jobs and it's still tough sometimes," Mann said. "It's nice to have a little help like this."
Gomez said her children have been counting down the days to Christmas.
"They are excited," Gomez said.
Among the volunteers helping to select toys for the families, Kolby Dewitt and his three sons continued a family tradition.
"My mom brought me down when I was probably William's age. It's a long tradition for me," Dewitt said. "It's a fun way to give back."
The boys, Peter, 10, Benjamin, 9, and William, 5, stood in line with their dad waiting for their turn to go shopping for less fortunate children in Siouxland. The volunteers looked through tables stacked with toys sorted into age groups. There were also boxes filled with books which were included with the gifts.
"It's probably more exciting to give than to receive a gift," Dewitt said. "We have the fun part of the job. Somebody else is raising the money to fund all this."
Ten-year-old Peter said his favorite gift selection Saturday was a Hover ball for a little boy.
"It means a lot. I think it's just fun doing it," Peter said.
This is Dye's 27th year of involvement in Goodfellow Charities.
"The feeling is the same every year. You just feel so good having participated in this and being able to help families. A lot of them return the favor. They come back and volunteer when they can. It is just a wonderful thing," Dye said.
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