Goodfellows, Christmas Share sign up begins Oct. 27

GRINNELL — Now in it's 112th year, Goodfellows will again be purchasing complete holiday meals for people in need in Poweshiek County.

That includes every family that signs up and qualifies for the Christmas Share program.

Each holiday meal includes a six-pound ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, carrots, celery, baking mix, gravy mix, stuffing mix, Jell-O, apples, oranges, dinner rolls and a dessert.

“Our local grocery stores are again packaging the meals which will be ready on the Christmas Share distribution date,” said Pam Montgomery, Goodfellows chairman.

“As funds allow, extra food will be purchased for children over the winter break, as many rely on school lunches for a regular meal source. Last year, we were able to provide toaster pastries, microwave popcorn, canned ravioli, canned spaghetti, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, crackers, macaroni and cheese cups, chicken noodle soup, vegetable beef soup, fruit snacks, granola bars, and Ramen noodles, said Montgomery, ”and we hope to continue providing this extra kid friendly type food at the same level this year.”

The first of the children’s food packages will be the same day gifts and meals are distributed. The food will be distributed on a weekly basis over the winter break through MICA.

“Because our meals feed a family of five to six people, we will be adding extra dinner items to those families with more than five in the household,” said Montgomery.

“Food prices continue to increase, but we are hopeful we can do as much as we have in the past if not more as many are struggling right now. And, we never know exactly how many will be signing up, and that too can be an adjusting factor to our program,” Montgomery said.

Anyone who wants to contribute to purchasing meals or food for children can send gifts to Goodfellows, P. O. Box 229, Grinnell, IA 50112. Food donations are accepted and can be coordinated by emailing goodfellowsgrinnell@gmail.com.

“We have already filled our volunteer needs for this year, but if anyone wants to help in other ways, they should absolutely feel free to reach out,” noted Montgomery.

Sign up for the Goodfellows meals will be Monday, Oct. 27 through Friday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell.

Those who sign up will need to show the following: a photo ID; a utility bill for proof of residency; a current subsidized rent receipt, 2025 LIHEAP approval letter or appointment information, a current SNAP Decision Notice; birth certificates for children who are signing up; and proof of residency for anyone over the age of 18.

Letters have been forwarded to potential family sponsors. Anyone else who would like to take part and purchase gifts for a family or individual should email christmasshare79@gmail.com or call 641-888-6227.

Anyone who would like to donate rather than shop for gifts should send donations to Christmas Share at the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, P. O. Box 344, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Gift drop off day will be Monday, Dec. 8. The gifts, food and meals will be distributed Saturday, Dec. 13. Gifts to either of these programs are tax deductible.

Sign up schedule

The following sign-up schedule will help avoid long lines and wait time, but participants may sign up at any time.

Monday, Oct. 27 — last names starting with A-G

Tuesday, Oct. 28 — last names starting with H-M

Wednesday, Oct. 29 — last names starting with N-Q

Thursday, Oct. 30 — last names starting with R-T

Friday, Oct. 31 — last names starting with U-Z

Christmas Share and the Goodfellow programs are under the direction of Pam Montgomery. She can be reached at goodfellowsgrinnell@gmail.com.