The Goodfellows program, which started its annual fund-raising campaign Thursday, received about 825 applications from people seeking food, clothing or toys for Christmas. About 25 requests were denied because applicants didn't meet the required guidelines. They have to be an Abilene resident, and they have to have children living in the home. Options are available to people who can't get assistance through the local program. In addition, area churches and civic organizations call the Junior League seeking names of people who fall through the cracks.
Officials have a three-step plan in which applications are processed.
They read each one to see if it meets the criteria and is complete. An accompanying letter that states why help is being sought also is analyzed. After entering information into a computer database, officials mail an appointment card and Goodfellows packet to the family. Although she didn't have an exact figure, Poindexter said the number of applications received is about the same as last year. To avoid duplication, a list of people being helped by Goodfellows is sent to the Salvation Army, which has its own Christmas aid program.