Goodfellows and Christmas for Kids
The Jonesboro Sun originally started the Goodfellows project in 1950. The Jaycees' help was solicited in 1952 by Gene Smith, a local reporter and Jaycee. The partnership has been in place for 56 years. Some organizations give a one-time Christmas basket for the holidays. The Jaycees give enough food to feed a household for an entire week. Over 700 families benefitted from the project in 2005.
Donations are collected through the Jonesboro Sun and are displayed daily in the paper. All recipients are from the Northeast Arkansas area. The Jaycees spend an average of $25 per family. The Goodfellows project has been recognized on the US Jaycee National level and has received the award for the #1 Human Service project in the Nation.
The Christmas for Kids project was added over 25 years ago and provides toys to children who otherwise wouldn't get any. It usually serves over 1,000 kids each year.
Goodfellows and Christmas for Kids are the flagship projects of the Jonesboro Jaycees. We work hard all year so that we can give back to our community.
