SYCAMORE – The spirit of giving was alive and well Monday as numerous Goodfellows gave out presents to children in need Christmas Eve morning.

The Goodfellows of DeKalb/Sycamore are an all-volunteer group of local residents who annually raise money to buy clothing for area children. This year, Goodfellows bought  clothing for 915 children from 362 families in the area, said Gerry Keating, the group’s president.

The Goodfellows are active between September and Christmas Eve. They work with J.C. Penney to purchase clothes for children, which are then brought to Blumen Gardens, at 403 Edwards St. in Sycamore, to be wrapped. The Goodfellows contact local school districts and social service agencies to develop a list of children in need in the area.