Photos: The Goodfellows fund through the years
Goodfellows has helped help more than 13,800 adults and children by providing emergency assistance, grocery vouchers and clothing for school-aged children.
1996
Anna Tapley, a 75-year-old grandmother, raising granddaughter Shardy. This picture ran in The World-Herald on Dec. 4, 1996.
1995
The Zinn family. This picture ran in The World-Herald on Nov. 21, 1995.
1994
Jessica Toney in November 1994.
1994
A fifth and sixth grade class at Karen Western Elementary School collected 13,000 pennies for Goodfellows in December 1994. From left to right are Jeff Viola, April Basile and Heather Juntunen.
1992
Dennis Burr, age 4, in December 1992.
1991
Westside Middle School collected $2,015.50 for Goodfellows. Student Council President Jeremy Tworek presents the gift to Terry Ausenbaugh of The World-Herald on Dec. 23, 1991.
1991
This donation from the "Boys on the Road" came in 10 envelopes in December 1991. Goodfellows officials said they don't know how the donation got into the World-Herald building.
1991
Tessie pictured in December 1991. "I just don't feel sorry for myself."
1989
Brandy, left, and Tony on Nov. 27, 1989.
1989
Beulah is still making music in this photo from December 1989.
1989
Millard North Middle School student council members count Goodfellows donations in 1989. From left, standing: Jason Bisbee, David Allen, Kathy Kearns and Jenny Underwood; seated: Jami Rossitto, Lynn Welch and John Miller.
1988
School district staffer Susan Meyers and student assistant David Biggs, 11, sort donated coats on Dec. 21, 1988. The clothing program has received more than 2,300 requests this year. For more than 15 years, the Omaha school district and the World-Herald Goodfellows have combined efforts to help needy children dress warmly.
1982
It's a sparse Christmas at Brian's house. His mother, Susan's, parents live in Des Moines and other relatives also live there. Her folks probably will send her something for her two children.
1982
Christmas is bright for Nicky, 5, and Joey, 6 months, on Dec. 24, 1982. Gifts from Manley Church can be seen in the foreground.
1982
Dustin doesn't understand bills. Photo from November 1982.
1978
From left, Karen Furey, Mary Kay Kaczmarek, Kelly McGill, Margie Honz and Cathy Schenkelberg on Dec. 17, 1978. Margie Honz and Nancy Furey of Roncalli High School started putting classmates in chains this week to help free needy families from hunger. It’s a community service project,” said Sister Jean Morrow, who oversees the chain-building. “Goodfellows seemed the right cause.”
1978
From left, Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Thomas. The truckers were glowing almost as rosily as their Christmas tree Friday night at Omaha Country Club, collecting the last of their yearly gift to hand over to Goodfellows today. The tree was peppered with lights, mostly red, each bulb fixed in place by a donating member of the Nebraska Motor Carriers Association.
1976
Lou Sortino and sons Mike and Louis Jr. pick Christmas trees on Dec. 9, 1976. Each year about 20 to 30 Christmas trees ended up being wasted at Sortino's West L Fruit Market. So this year, owner Lou, along with Louis Jr. and Mike came up with a better idea. "The boys happened to see a story in the newspaper about a family who will be receiving help from the Goodfellows," said Sortino. "The woman said she might not have money to buy a tree for her family, and that got us thinking." The Sortinos picked out enough Christmas trees for that family and all the ones who are featured in The World-Herald's Goodfellows stories through Christmas. Bekins Moving and Storage Co., 1601 Leavenworth St., has volunteered to deliver the trees in time for Christmas.
1976
Daddy’s health is a concern to Jimmy. “The way things are, we might not be together for too many holidays and we want them good while we’re together.” That’s the way Jimmy’s mother feels about Christmas. But this holiday may not be so good for her son, 4, and daughter, Colleen, 20 months.
1976
Robert and Kimberly are looking for help in this photo from Nov. 29, 1976. Robert's mother is having a hard enough time making ends meet without having to worry about what she will serve her family on Christmas Day.
1975
Latasha Johnson pictured on Dec. 25, 1975.
1975
Tracy, 4, is just at the age when Christmas starts to mean a lot. "I haven't got any money for anything, and that's the truth." There's no reason to doubt that comment from Tracy's mother, who is a widow. Photo from December 1975.
1974
Optician McCain fits Alan for a brighter Christmas in December 1974.
1969
Nicky is a clown of sorts. The toddler can make his older brothers and sisters laugh just by strutting around the room with a toy pig. “He’s such a happy baby,” his mother said. “He’s laughing and smiling all the time.” Photo from December 1969.
1968
Little Debbie occupies much of her time in playing with her pet white mouse, Frosty, in December 1968.
1965
"The Beatles" Pantomime group at the World-Herald Goodfellows Show Wagon at Ralston City Park in June 1965.
1963
From left, postal employee Robert Hearn and Cub Scouts Jack Buckingham, Dick Bernstein, Tony Costanza and Steve Dabbs in December 1963. Their Scout troop went through the neighborhood to pick up empty bottles and cash them in. They ended up with $4.82 to give to Goodfellows. The charity has raised more than $17 million since 1945, when it started modern record-keeping.
1963
Santa Claus gives presents to 25 children from families recommended by Goodfellows on Dec. 22, 1963, at St. Frances Cabrini Social Hall. Santa also handed out refreshments, and a magician entertained the kids at the Christmas party.
1962
1962: The Gulizia brothers at the Goodfellows Show Wagon Contest at Pulaski Park.
1962
From left, Michael, Kathy and Sharon McLaughlin, Barbara Willets and Mary Beth McLaughlin singing "Jingle Bells" on Dec. 19, 1962. The five youngsters made the rounds in their neighborhood singing Christmas carols with "Jingle Bells" as their opening and closing number. They made $23.25 for Goodfellows.
1960
The Coolers, from left, George Miles, William Starks, Henry Redd and Jimmy Starks, won first in The World-Herald Goodfellows Show Wagon District Contest in Kountze Park on July 28, 1960.
1957
Many a youngster brushed aside a tear on Oct. 15, 1957, and then contributed a favorite toy to the annual Goodfellows toy drive. Piles of toys mounted steadily at Omaha schools. At Windsor School, these fourth graders participated, from left: John Reynolds, Russell Masloski, Loretta Jones, Lanis Latta, Ginger Kay Schreck and Denny Harshburger.
1953
The little boy in the picture is a member of a family that needs help. His mother has been home from the hospital just six days after having been there for an operation. His father is a former bricklayer. He no longer can do that work because of the loss of an arm. Photo from December 1953.
1953
The two-room tar paper house in the littered backyard of another home looked desolate in the chill of the evening. Inside a little girl was playing with a battered rubber doll. Her name is Jacqueline and she is 3. She has two brothers. There is not much to amuse the three children. Jacqueline's father is in the service and is not due to return to the U.S. until March 1954.
1951
Bernice and Richard in December 1951. A tired mother answers the door and brightens visibly when she finds the caller is not a bill collector. Five children between the ages of 2 and 9 are clustered about her. The husband has been ill, the bills have piled up, and the outlook for Christmas is bleak.
1948
The hard way ... a penny a day. One man never fails to send a Goodfellow donation. He always sends the same amount — $3.65. That's 1 cent for each day in the year. The letter that accompanied a 1947 contribution might have been written by a hurried businessman. It reads: "Enclosed please find donation for the Goodfellows." His address? The State Penitentiary in Lincoln.
1948
Gary, 2, pictured in December 1948. A frying pan and car without wheels are his toys.
1948
Girl Scouts aid by sponging and cleaning soft toys on Dec. 8, 1948. From left to right are Barbara Frederiksen, Shirley Hallback and Patty Hoffman. They are from Troop 147 at North High School.
1942
Three little soldiers on Dec. 14, 1942.
1941
All the city commissioners voted "aya" for The World-Herald Goodfellows in 1941 and backed up their vote with a contribution of $5 each. City Clerk Joe Dineen added a dollar to make the total $36, and the funds were delivered to the Mile o' Dimes. Left to right, front row: Commissioners Jepsen and Dineen and Mayor Butler; back row, left to right: Commissioners Kresl, Trustin, Korisko, Towl and Knudsen.
1941
Kathelle Wallace, clerk in the Army finance office in the Woodmen of the World Building, holds the handful of dimes collected in that office for the Goodfellows Mile o'Dimes board at 16th and Farnam Streets on Dec. 18, 1941. The handful amounted to $10.70.
1941
The Union Pacific Junior Drum and Bugle Corps marched for the Mile o' Dimes in 1941.
1939
A letter to Goodfellows from Bobby, age 8, in 1939. Monday afternoon a World-Herald reporter and photographer visited Bobby's home. Bobby's mother said some oatmeal and apples were the only food in the house.
1939
In pert red sweaters, black shirts and white blouses, these eight girls from “Geathers,” the University of Omaha Pep Club, went to the Goodfellows Mile o’ Dimes board at 16th and Farnam Streets on Dec. 6, 1939, and deposited $5 for the organization. Celia Lipsman, front, is the club’s president.
1939
Is the large board ready for Omaha's donations? It must be filled many times if the city's poor children are to be happy on Christmas. Photo from 1939.
1938
“Dear Goodfellows” — a letter from hundreds upon hundreds of underprivileged children of Omaha. “Christmas is an important and precious thing to children,” said the Goodfellows administrator. “To be passed by when other children are happy leaves a hurt that may never quite heal. It would be better for hundreds of persons to give up their conventional exchange of gifts if it would save one or two children from this hurt. Please join the Goodfellows!”
1938
The father of this family was killed in a car crash and the children don't feel well, as they're undernourished. Photo from December 1938.
1926
In 1926, in conjunction with the Goodfellows Christmas drive, this Christmas Lodge and Reindeer Park was set up on the courthouse lawn. As verified by the size of the crowds shown here, the arrangement was wildly popular.
The annual fundraising campaign begins today and runs through Dec. 31.
It had taken three years to move to the top of the townhouse’s waiting list. This was her chance to move out of the apartment she had shared with her late husband and try to ease her grief.
Last Christmas, Peggy Pease and her husband donated $150 to the Goodfellows campaign — symbolic of her 15th year free of breast cancer.
When Megan Martin found $20 on the street, she decided to donate $25 to the Goodfellows campaign. Now she plans to make giving to Goodfellows a tradition.
Duane Prorok and Zita had been married for nearly 46 years when she died in 2003. The next year, Prorok donated to the newspaper's Goodfellows charity with a simple dedication: "In memory of Zita." She had fought cancer for about two years.
After reading about Goodfellows in the paper, Addison Mohr knew that’s where she wanted her $20 to go. So did her younger brother and sister, Samantha, 7, and Joshua, 4.
All day Thursday, you can help The World-Herald's Goodfellows charity merely by purchasing ice cream.
One-hundred percent of all money donated to Goodfellows goes to those in a crisis. The World-Herald doesn't keep any money for administration.
This year was Glenda Lammel's turn to decide which charity her mahjong group would support for Christmas. "I've always liked Goodfellows, because all the money is used for the people who need it," she said.
Generous donors from 16 states gave $640,885 to Goodfellows in this season’s campaign, which ran from Nov. 1, 2019, to Jan. 6, 2020.
The World-Herald's charity has seen an unexpected, but welcome, increase in giving.
The World-Herald and United Way of the Midlands announced a new partnership on Wednesday to run the Goodfellows charity.
The story of the anonymous donors who have helped the McCaul-Staton family since Aunt Tiny retrieved the kids from foster care is an especially compelling example of Goodfellows’ outreach.
Giving thanks is difficult for households across the Midlands this year. Still, a measure of comfort can be found in the encouraging local displays of compassion, fellowship and progress.
As Phyllis Huffman sat with her husband in a cancer center while he received chemotherapy, she “looked around at all the people there" and decided to give to Goodfellows in their honor.
Judy Gubbels of Omaha says her husband, John, enjoyed performing random acts of kindness.
For years, the Lees have made donations to Goodfellows, The World-Herald's longtime charity. Last year, a donation on behalf of the couple and their family read "Praise God for the Omaha World-Herald."
Diane Bang's donation this year was especially poignant. It was dedicated to her best friend of 45 years, who was also her sister-in-law.
The $1,040 Goodfellows donation by the Masimore, Magnuson & Associates accounting firm is a nod on the individual tax form Americans file.
The average donation on Giving Tuesday was $114, and more than 24,000 donations were made. Donors bought almost 29,000 items on nonprofit wish lists.
“I have watched all the news, and it’s so difficult for families, with so many not being able to be with loved ones when they die.”
Daughter Edie Kallemeyn wants people to remember the contributions of Ed Potthoff. “He was known as the fix-it guy,’’ she said. “A lot of times, he didn’t charge them anything.’’
Five years ago, Ernie gave each of his seven children $100 to be used for the benefit of others. Tim chose to donate his to The World-Herald's Goodfellows charity.
Longtime Goodfellows donors Jeanie and Jerry Shank dedicated this year's $225 donation to Alex Trebek and Bob Gibson, who died of pancreatic cancer this year.
"It is so touching to see so many people in our community bringing in gifts for men, women and children who are going through a really difficult time," Open Door CEO Candace Gregory said.
Since his wife's death, Ray Stavneak has tried to do everything just as she would have. Each Christmas, the house is fully decorated, and the donations to the Goodfellows have continued at $520.
There’s no question that The World Herald’s Goodfellows charity is needed more than ever, said Shawna Forsberg of the United Way of the Midlands. Calls to her agency's helpline were up 105% from 2019.
Julie Bechtel, publisher of The World-Herald, extended thanks to the Omaha community. "We are always humbled and impressed by this community’s generosity.”
A donation was made to Goodfellows in honor of Izzy and Curly, two Silky terriers, to mark what would have been Howard Silber's 100th birthday.
The aid from Goodfellows after her cancer diagnosis, and the article that grew out of it, were the catalyst for a cascade of help for Jolinda "Joey" Loth.
Among the nation's oldest newspaper-based charities, Goodfellows has provided more than $16 million since 1945.
Retired nurse Susan Beeghly said she had given before, but never such a substantial amount. In 2020, she said, people needed extra help because of the pandemic.
Jim Morley said he and his wife, Kathy, have been donating to Goodfellows for about a decade. He said the couple's donations to the charity increase every year.
Omaha residents Stephen and Doris Lubman donated $57 to Goodfellows this year in honor of their grandaughters Annalysa and Ava Barrera Lubman to continue a family tradition.
Lois and Skip Decker make an annual contribution to Goodfellows in honor of Skip Decker's fellow volunteers at Habitat for Humanity.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $55,943.47.
For decades, members of the Sertoma Club of Omaha and West Omaha Service Club have exhibited a generous spirit. One of the clubs’ beneficiaries is Goodfellows.
After losing their 13-year-old son, Matthew, in 1994, Gary and Mary Grimes strive to keep his memory alive with their annual contributions to Goodfellows.
Tough times like this year are when programs like Goodfellows are helpful, said recipient Tanya Collins. Goodfellows receives funding through The World-Herald's annual charitable fund drive.
Creighton University librarian Elizabeth Kiscaden honored her staff with her gift. Her co-workers typify why another Goodfellows donor, former Nebraskan John Maczynski, calls Nebraskans "the best people on earth."
Almost 1,350 donors from 18 states contributed to Goodfellows' holiday campaign.
In the latest study of the top 100 metro areas, nearly 70% of Omaha-area households with at least one working member were found to be living in poverty.
Here is the list of new donations to Goodfellows as of Nov. 25, 2022.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally over $61,000.
Jennifer Hopwood and her husband, Tim Dickson, wanted their daughter's name and memory to live on. They have donated to The World-Herald’s Goodfellows charity in her honor for the last couple of years.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $95,363.61.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $129,380.84.
The Nebraska Diaper Bank distributed 592,545 diapers to families in 2021 and is poised to provide 1.4 million this year.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $133,686.63.
Goodfellows provides one-time emergency aid for rent, utilities and other necessities for struggling Omaha-area residents.
The newspaper’s earliest holiday goodwill program was in 1889, when it gave a Christmas dinner to the “poor children of Omaha and South Omaha, at which 1,200 were entertained.”
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $154,020.38.
The newspaper’s earliest holiday goodwill program was in 1889, when it gave a Christmas dinner to the “poor children of Omaha and South Omaha, at which 1,200 were entertained.”
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $175,503.41.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $181,916.86. Donations go toward one-time emergency aid, including rent and utility assistance, for struggling Omaha-area residents. The charity also distributes holiday meal vouchers and coats, gloves and clothing for schoolchildren.
Omahan Kate Bradley loves the folks who live on and near Fieldcrest Drive in her Regency neighborhood.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $228,951.96.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $300,603.06.
Goodfellows funds helped up to 10 youths begin new lives in their own places through Youth Emergency Services this year.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $309,186.36.
The Omaha Retail Meat Dealers Association is a social group with monthly gatherings for meals, meetings, fellowship and, importantly, philanthropy.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $369,141.34.
Cold snaps — like Omaha’s recent deep freeze — usually mean higher utility bills and they also can cause expensive health issues.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $383,541.34.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $531,374.20.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $588,646.01.
This year's Goodfellows campaign, which ran from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, brought in $588,646.01. The money will go directly toward helping those families and individuals in need.
Ava Thomas and Shawna Forsberg write, "From $5 or $20 to $1,000 ... a gift of any size (to Goodfellows) can truly make a difference to someone looking for a little assistance to get back on track."
Goodfellows, a World-Herald charity, has been helping Omaha-area residents in crisis since the 1890s.
Need Emergency Assistance? Goodfellows' emergency fund can help
Founded in the 1890s, Goodfellows exists to provide one-time emergency assistance to people in crisis. Since 2020, the Omaha World-Herald and United Way of the Midlands have partnered together to administer the Goodfellows program.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $25,027.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $33,290.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $63,620.33.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $68,731.33.
Funding from Goodfellows helps Omaha's Heart Ministry Center meet some of the community's most vital needs.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $81,623.00.
An Omaha couple has honored the memory of their daughter who died of leukemia through a growing donation to Goodfellows since 2016.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $96,767.
The family of an Omaha girl said their time with her was a gift, even though it was cut short by her battle with congenital heart disease.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $115,617.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $122,770.
An Omaha pinochle group turns quarters collected as it plays each week into an annual donation to Goodfellows.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $156,677.
Debra and Robert Krueger of Omaha have been donating in memory of their son to Goodfellows since he died of a sudden heart attack in February of 2012 at 22 years old.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $179,415.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $187,622.18.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $213,967.98.
Though he died in 2021, the spirit of Levi Rundlett lives on through a nonprofit his family created in his memory to help other children diagnosed with pediatric cancer.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $228,899.01.
Anne and James Foley were ardent supporters of Goodfellows and other charities in the Omaha area. Now, their children are continuing their legacy of giving through a donation in their honor.
The 211 Helpline is one of several programs that Goodfellows partners with to provide one-time emergency assistance to people in crisis.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $391,096.44.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $399,828.67.
Donations to Goodfellows boost tally to more than $442,000.
Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, the Goodfellows campaign raised over $528,000 to provide one-time emergency aid for Omaha-area residents.
Contributions reported today boost the final Goodfellows tally of the campaign to $541,369.45.
A holiday meal voucher through Goodfellows can both meet essential needs and be a source of dignity for Omaha area families, a former recipient of the program said.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $117,346.70.
Well below normal temperatures are in the Omaha forecast again Monday before a short warmup arrives midweek.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $124,012.51.
For many nonprofit agencies, the special boost from the Tuesday after Thanksgiving kicks off their year-end fundraising.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $161,626.69.
A program supported by Goodfellows looks to make the process of seeking help in the Omaha area this holiday season as easy as calling 2-1-1.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $237,824.69.
Nicole Kellogg spent years working as a certified nursing assistant, in the homes of people who couldn't care for themselves. Now Kellogg is the one needing help. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $251,028.56.
For Omaha dentist Roger Curry, a longtime donor to Goodfellows, the stories of those he's been able to help over the years have stuck with him.
Contributions reported today boost the Goodfellows tally to $298,635.67. Donations go toward one-time emergency aid, including rent and utilit…
This year, Rod Jewell is honoring Omaha’s longtime St. Nick with a special gift to The World-Herald’s Goodfellows charity, $11,000 to buy toys for the Omaha metro's children.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $369,607.11.
When Dr. John Walburn began making annual donations to The World-Herald's Goodfellows project more than 20 years ago, he thought about who he would like to honor when the donation appeared in the paper.
Area religious leaders share messages of faith.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $456,302.12.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $470,226.12.
Rev. Dr. Jane Florence and Rev. Dan Delzell share their first messages of faith of the new year.
Contributions reported today boost the final 2024 Goodfellows tally to $546,392.
Whether they gave $1 or $48,000, more than 1,000 donors helped the 2024 Goodfellows campaign outraise 2023's campaign.
The Omaha World-Herald is kicking off its holiday-season fundraising efforts with a twist: Goodfellows Night, an evening of live music at Barnato in Omaha.
For Omahans in need, a Goodfellows donation can be the difference between someone living out of their car and having a safe place to call home.
A partnership with Goodfellows will help the Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership say "yes" to more Sarpy County families in need this holiday season.
A large share of donations to Goodfellows, the charity founded by the Omaha World-Herald, goes toward emergency housing and utility assistance for families in crisis.
Since 1993, Omaha's Swartzbaugh-Farber and Associates has donated to Goodfellows to help local families in need.
Funding from Goodfellows, the charity founded by The World-Herald, helps support Family Housing Advisory Services' mission to improve housing opportunities.
The Omaha-based Visiting Nurse Association partners with Goodfellows to help make sure its clients in all phases of life have food on the table during the holiday season.
A holiday meal voucher from Goodfellows will help make sure a Bellevue woman and her family have a special Christmas breakfast this year.
Contributions reported today boost 2024 Goodfellows tally to $180,991.69.
