Couple recognized for decades of good deeds

ST. CLAIR SHORES — These two volunteers were recognized for their 29 years of good deeds in St. Clair Shores. But they say they don’t do it for the recognition.

Nikki and Enio Iafrate took over the Goodfellows annual paper drive 29 years ago. At first, they didn’t know they agreed to take over the whole operation.

“Enio thought he was volunteering to work a corner, but he actually was volunteering to take the whole thing over,” Nikki said.

She said they were both pretty surprised when they found out about the whole operation. However, it didn’t take too long to figure it out, Enio said.

“The following year, I did it and my kids were very young at the time,” Enio said. “So I pretty much did it by myself until they got old enough to help.”

He said at this point, they’ve mastered it. The corner they work every year is at 10 Mile Road and Interstate 94.

At the St. Clair Shores City Council meeting on Dec. 16, the mayor and members of council presented both Enio and Nikki with a proclamation. They received a standing ovation from friends, family members, city officials and employees who sat in the crowd.

Mayor Kip Walby called them “inspirations” during the meeting.

“You can see that the people that came are thankful for you, and we appreciate that,” Walby said. “Again, St. Clair Shores, the Goodfellows, I speak on behalf of them. Thank you for all of your work.”

Enio said they volunteer for a lot of things and that he really enjoys it. They’ve also helped at a few charities in Detroit.

“My family really gets involved with it,” Enio said. “It’s a great thing.”

Nikki explained they first attended a men’s club meeting at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church to find out how the Goodfellows worked. At the time, their son was in kindergarten.

She called the Goodfellows’ paper drive her passion, but she emphasized that they don’t do this by themselves.

“Enio organizes over anywhere between 60 and 70 of the parishioners from St. Isaac’s, men and women, and we take the corners on 10 Mile from 94 to Harper and Mack and Cavalier,” Nikki said. “So it’s an undertaking. They all do two-hour shifts.”

She also said without help they wouldn’t be able to contribute as much to the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows.

After the first time volunteering, Nikki said, people are often hooked because of how rewarding it is.

This year, the Detroit Goodfellows chapter celebrated 100 years, and the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows celebrated 98.

Nikki and Enio both agreed that they’ve always instilled in their children the importance of giving back and volunteering.

“We’ve had enough, but we always haven’t had a lot, but giving is very important to us, not only us, but our family,” Nikki said.

They sometimes receive thanks from families who received help from the Goodfellows when they were kids. Many of these people say if it wasn’t for the organization, they wouldn’t have gotten anything for the holiday season.

“It’s pretty rewarding,” Enio said.

This year, the Goodfellows were able to help 44 families with 90 kids. The total amount of families helped varies from year to year, but Nikki said the number can vary anywhere from 50 to 150.

Nikki said they recommend people volunteer in their communities.

“Volunteering is definitely a reward in itself. It really is,” she said. “It makes you feel good.”

---

This article is part of an ongoing series recognizing individuals who volunteer or do a lot for the St. Clair Shores community. Do you know someone who should be featured? Email Alyssa Ochss at aochss@candgnews.com or call her at (586) 498-1103.