WARREN, Mich. – For over 70 years it's been a place people turn to in hard times. Food, clothing, Christmas toys for the kids, the Goodfellows of Warren and Sterling Heights usually has it all.
"It's my love. I love to do this," says Darrell Nieporte.
The 74-year-old is a Goodfellow with a golden heart. He's a retried city worker, who has some heath issues. He will spend his 53rd Christmas with the organization, and this year could be like no other.
"So many wonderful people, but there are so many who need help," Nieporte told Local 4 Wednesday night.
Demand is high and donations are running thin. "There's just not enough people who have the money to give," says Nieporte.
This means these shelves could be empty by month's end. And the traditional gift packages handed out to hundreds on Christmas Day, well it may not happen. Nieporte blames the economy for the slump in donations. He's hoping the community will step up so no family goes without during this season of giving.
"I just make a plea to people see what we do and open your hearts with those who are less fortunate," says the longtime Goodfellow member.
Anyone interested in helping can send a donation here:
Darrell Nieporte c/o
Warren-Sterling Heights Goodfellows 32632 Revere Drive
Warren, MI 48092
More Goodfellows stories:
Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit working towards goal of $1.2M