Goodfellows fund brightens holiday

Christmas will be much different, and a lot more stressful, for many families this year as they struggle with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Millions are unemployed or working reduced hours because of business closings and are in need of assistance to provide some measure of a Christmas celebration, particularly for children.

That’s where the PG Charities Goodfellows Fund campaign can offer some hope to area families in need.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which has been running the campaign since 1947, raises money for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program in southern Allegheny County, including Pittsburgh. Last year, the campaign raised more than $79,000 through donations from generous readers, and that money provided toys for thousands of children who might otherwise have received nothing for Christmas.

The holidays may not be the same this year, with fewer gatherings and celebrations as we all try to remain healthy and safe. What won’t be different is the same spirit of giving that is emblematic of the season. Sharing a gift with someone who has not the means that many of us have is a gift to ourselves, a feeling of knowing we can make a difference for an unknown family.

And all of us can share in the joy of knowinga child’s Christmas was made better by us.

The success of the Goodfellows campaign depends entirely on the generosity of Post-Gazette readers who have come through year after year to provide a memorable Christmas for children throughout the area.

Your tax-deductible donations could make the difference for the child of a struggling family this year and let that child know that despite the many changes in 2020, Christmas is still a time of celebration and joy.