By Dani Elle Brissette

WOONSOCKET — For Woonsocket residents, the last month has been loaded with events that are aimed to solicit donations for the 76th annual Milk Fund Appeal. From the roast of talk-show host Dave Kane to Goodfellows Day, countless volunteers have taken to the airwaves and the street corners to accept donations for this longstanding charitable event that officially concludes at the end of the month.

"It went very well," Bill Schneck said of the Goodfellows Day fundraiser that was held throughout the day on Saturday. "We're all very pleased with the results."
In light of this year's economy, organizers were concerned that Goodfellows Day would not draw in as many donations as in previous years considering it's proximity to the holidays, but according to Schneck, Woonsocket residents proved that their affinity for the Milk Fund overshadowed financial hindrances.
"A lot of people actually went out of their way to make sure they pulled over to give us the money," said Schneck. "When you're standing out on a street corner looking for money like that, it's not always easy but it's for a good cause and most (Woonsocket residents) know about Goodfellows Day and they like to make sure they contribute."
Schneck indicates that regardless of the circumstances residents are going through, the Milk Fund is a cause that most community members are determined to donate to.
See FUND, Page A-8
"Some people had their window down and were sticking money out way back at the lights to make sure we saw them," said Schneck.
Over the last few days, Schneck and other Milk Fund volunteers have been sorting through the donations and have reached a total amount of $5,837.97.
"Personally, I just think it is very heartwarming that people have come together and donated this much money," said Milk Fund co-chair Heather Rivers, who spent the morning of Christmas Eve assisting in tallying up the donations to arrive at the total amount. "It's just incredible."
Schneck, who also maintains the Milk Fund paper bottles, says that a final total for the bottle donations will be reached on or before New Year's Eve.
Started in 1932, the Milk Fund provides milk to the needy through vouchers redeemable at any Li'l General Store. This past year, organizers said, more than 1,000 children and elderly received milk through the program, administered by Family Resources Inc. The non-profit has been in charge of distributing the Milk Fund money since the drive began 76 years ago. Those eligible to receive assistance can live anywhere in The Call's circulation area.
Funds collected are turned over to Milk Fund Inc., headed by Michael Darveau as president.
Donations can be mailed or dropped off at The Call at 75 Main St.; WOON Radio, 1 Social St.; and WNRI Radio, 786 Diamond Hill Road, the three businesses that sponsor the Milk Fund.
The name of each and every donor will be published in this newspaper, a Call tradition from the very start.
The Milk Fund Appeal officially runs through Christmas Eve, but donations for the 76th drive will be accepted through New Year's Eve.