More than a century of service

The Club began in Milwaukee at Christmas in 1917, when Douglas F. McKey, James Black and George W. Smith organized gifts of food for families in need.

What began with twelve friends and a few food baskets in 1917 became one of Milwaukee’s enduring Christmas traditions.

Their Christmas baskets became a continuing local tradition. Over time, volunteers expanded their work to include clothing, blankets, toys and gifts.

The Club honors Douglas F. McKey. Generations of Milwaukee volunteers and supporters have carried the Christmas tradition forward.

It was Christmas 1917 when Douglas F. McKey, James Black and George W. Smith met over lunch at the University Club. With unemployment severe, they invited friends to contribute five dollars each and deliver food baskets on Christmas Eve. After McKey’s death in 1921, the members named the club in his honor. Over the decades, food baskets grew to include clothing, blankets, toys and individually selected gifts.