One of the most well-known American community groups is the Goodfellows — and Brownstown is well represented when it comes to this organization's year round efforts.

The Goodfellows are most visible near Thanksgiving where a hardy group of people man community intersections to sell special edition newspapers to raise funds for the annual gift-giving drive. The money collected allows the Goodfellows to make their plans for assembling the baskets of non-perishable food, certificates for meat and dairy products, and toys for the needy during the holiday season.

Armed with the motto "No Child without Christmas", the Goodfellows not only provide presents to children who might otherwise go without, but they also give special support to entire families so that they too can enjoy the holidays.

Families who need help making the holidays brighter only need fill out an application found in the newspaper — or someone who knows of a family in need can fill out the application for them.

The strength of this most worthy organization is from a lot dedicated people. The Brownstown Firefighters, the Brownstown Police Department, the Woodhaven Schools National Honor Society, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, the Senior Citizens, the Senior Quilters and many other residents who are community-minded. "Brownstown is a Place where People Care."

The Goodfellows organization may not be seen year round, but they are near. They may be called upon anytime to help area residents with needs that fall within the scope of their service organization.

Goodfellow officers are President Linda McCoy, Secretary Dolores Jones, Treasurer Karen Wright, and Trustees Mitzi Mann, Debbie Schmidt, Peg York, and Joanne Lindsey.

For more information on the Goodfellows, call 675-1307.

On nearly every continent around the world, there are dedicated volunteers united on one front: to combat blindness when possible, and to provide for those who already have lost their vision. They call themselves Lions, and while they are united globally, they act locally.
 
Members of the Brownstown Lions Club support a number of local causes, including the Penrickton Center for Blind Children in Taylor and the Leader Dog School in Rochester.
 
The club also funds a $500 scholarship each year for a graduating high school student. They are also active in the collection of used eyeglasses.
 
For more information about the Brownstown Lions Club, contact Sam Ramos at 479-0261.