Greenville’s Annual Goodfellows Food Drive Aims to Support Over 700 Families this Holiday Season

Greenville Gears Up for Heartwarming Christmas Tradition

It’s that jolly time of the year again in Greenville! As the holiday season approaches, the James F. Daniel Jr. American Legion Post 3 is busy preparing for its cherished annual Goodfellows Food Drive. This beloved community charity has been bringing joy and sustenance to families in need for nearly a century, and this year’s initiative is set to provide more than 700 local families with generous 50-pound boxes filled with food goodies.

A Legacy of Giving

The Goodfellows charity has a long and noble history here in Greenville. It all began way back in the early 1920s with a group of kind-hearted businessmen looking to spread Christmas cheer to those less fortunate. As the charitable efforts grew larger than they could handle alone, the American Legion Post 3 stepped up in 1924 and has been a driving force behind this cause ever since. They’ve teamed up with community supporters and members of Post 3 to ensure that no family goes hungry during the holiday season. “This is something we look forward to – it’s a good time to give back to the community and help others,” said Post 3 Adjutant Don Patterson.

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Mark your calendars! On December 20, a dedicated crew of volunteers will gather at the Greenville Convention Center to pack boxes full of essential food items. The magic happens bright and early, with the packed boxes ready for pickup the following morning. This year, the boxes will include staples like beans, corn, potatoes, apples, and chicken, along with flour, corn meal, sugar, and salt. That’s a whole lot of deliciousness going out to folks who really need it!

Partnerships That Matter

Post 3 members aren’t doing this alone! Thanks to the generous support of community partners, including Ingles Markets, a significant portion of the food will be purchased from this local grocery store. Additionally, local businesses like Greenville Meats and Corrugated Boxes of Spartanburg are also key players in making this event a success. And we can’t forget about the volunteers! Families, young people from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and local churches come together to make this a truly community-driven effort. You can feel the festive spirit filling the air!

Join in the Festivities!

It’s not just about the food; the atmosphere is filled with joy and laughter. Patterson remarked, “The kids come together and seem to have a really good time.” Seeing the community unite brings a smile to anyone’s face. The camaraderie and warmth in the room are palpable—the perfect way to kick off holiday giving!

How You Can Help

While the preparations are well underway, donations are still being accepted to support this year’s food drive. Every little bit counts! You can easily contribute online through Venmo or PayPal, or if you prefer the traditional route, checks can be mailed to Goodfellows Program, P.O. Box 133, Greenville, SC 29602-0133. With approximately 900 members in Post 3, there is no shortage of passion and commitment to this cause!

Feeling Thankful

As the December 20 packing day approaches, there’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude from everyone involved. “They appreciate what you’re doing, and they thank you for it,” Patterson shared, highlighting the connections made through this charitable act. Knowing that your efforts are making a difference in the lives of families is undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming aspects of the Goodfellows Food Drive.

So, if you’re in Greenville, consider lending a hand or contributing to this fantastic initiative. It’s a wonderful way to spread the holiday cheer and ensure that everyone has something to celebrate this season!