Grand Blanc View

Old Newsboys, partners prepare to help 5,000-plus children this year




MUNDY TWP. — More than 5,000 Genesee County children will wake up on Christmas morning to find gifts under the tree thanks to the generosity of area residents, volunteers and the folks at Old Newsboys of Flint.

Genesee County donors “are amazing, 100 percent,” said Heather McMullen, finance director for Old Newsboys. “I think it’s because we keep everything local. We’re right here in Genesee County, we’re small and most of the money goes right to the kids. We’re not heavy on administration, and I think they see that and want to be part of it.”

There are many ways to pitch in to help the 98-year-old benevolent organization accomplish its mission to “Let No Child Be Forgotten.” Since 1924, Old Newsboys has provided Christmas gifts for 835,000 Flint-area youngsters ages birth to 18 years old.

To become part of that noble mission, donors may sponsor a child. Each $20 donation provides a gift box containing a sweatsuit, socks, undergarments, hat, gloves, dental hygiene products and a new, age-appropriate gift.

For information on sponsorships, visit the Old Newsboys website at www.onbflint.org/.

Contributions also may be made by purchasing one of the newspapers that volunteers will distribute at more than 150 streetcorners on Friday, Dec. 9.

Also on that day, radio station 103.9 The Fox, Shea Automotive Group and Brilliant Marketing will team up to sponsor a radiothon broadcasting from Shea on Corunna Road from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

And even before that, the day of giving will kick off bright and early when the Swartz Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and Financial Plus Credit Union present Whatchamacallit.

Whatchamacallit is a business networking event that brings business people, community leaders and others together to help not only the Old Newsboys but also the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

The morning includes raffles, breakfast and live radio remotes and takes place from 7-9 a.m. at the Financial Plus main office at G-3381 Van Slyke Road.

Funds raised through donations and raffle ticket sales go to Old Newsboys. Nonperishable food items will be collected for the food bank.

Many of the families whom the Old Newsboys serve during the holidays are referred by schools, churches and other organizations, but open enrollment also is available online through Dec. 16 at onbflint.info/.

McMullen said families are always overjoyed to find out that there is help for them during the holidays.

“They’re happy, very happy,” she said. “It’s one less thing they have to stress about during these times of inflation. Maybe they can buy that extra meal because they don’t have to worry about socks and underwear for their children.”