In a heart-wrenching plea for support, the Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center has announced that it is short hundreds of Christmas gifts for children in need this holiday season. With over 100 families relying on the nonprofit to provide gifts, the organization is calling on the community to help ensure that every child can experience the joy of opening a present on Christmas morning.
Key Takeaways
- The Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center is short 215 gifts for approximately 250 children.
- The organization has served families in need for over a decade.
- Donations are particularly needed for teenagers, with popular items including art kits and headphones.
- Community members can drop off gifts at various local churches and organizations.
The Challenge Ahead
Every year, the Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center works tirelessly to bring Christmas cheer to families facing financial hardships. This year, however, the organization is struggling to meet its goal of providing three gifts per child. According to Carol Modisette, the center’s president, the need is greater than ever, with many families experiencing severe economic challenges.
"I think people drive down the street and assume behind every front door is a family just like theirs, and that’s not true," Modisette stated, highlighting the stark reality many families face.
The Need For Teen Gifts
While many people focus on buying toys for younger children during the holiday season, the Resource Center emphasizes the importance of providing gifts for teenagers as well. Volunteer Sara Seabolt noted that items such as digital cameras, over-the-ear headphones, and personal care kits are in high demand.
"Art kits are really popular with the older group, and every girl wants a tumbler," Seabolt added.
How To Help
The community is encouraged to contribute by purchasing gifts valued between $25 and $35. Donations can be dropped off at several local churches and organizations by the upcoming deadline. Here’s a list of drop-off locations:
- Bethel Church Choctaw
- Choctaw Church of the Nazarene
- Choctaw Road Baptist Church
- Choctaw Police Department
- Choctaw United Methodist Church
- Grace Church
- The Study Hub
In addition to gifts, families will also receive boxes of food to help them through the holiday season.
The Reality Of Poverty
Modisette shared that many families in the area are living without basic necessities. "There are houses that don’t have heat, that don’t have water. We have families that don’t have furniture. You deliver, and there might be a few cots that the kids are sleeping on. It’s amazing the poverty out here and the food insecurity we’re seeing in eastern Oklahoma County," she explained.
Conclusion
As the holiday season approaches, the Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center is reaching out to the community for support. By coming together to provide gifts and essentials, residents can help ensure that every child in the area has a memorable Christmas. For those unable to shop for gifts, monetary donations can also be made through the organization’s website, allowing for a tax-deductible contribution to this worthy cause.
Sources
- Oklahoma nonprofit short hundreds of Christmas gifts for kids, KOCO.
- YouTube, YouTube · KOCO 5 News.
