Library: News Releases
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Volunteers working in conjunction with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, recently made the trip back to school smoother for hundreds of Oklahoma foster children and grandfamilies.
In all, more than 1,550 children received school supply donations from Hartford Insurance Co., Sunbeam Family Services, Citizens Caring for Children, the First Baptist Church of Wilburton and OKDHS school-based social workers in Kingfisher, Rogers and Wagoner counties.
The donations made a tremendous impact on the children and families involved.
“It made all the difference in the world,” said Frankie Bosco, an Oklahoma City grandmother raising three grandchildren and a nephew ranging in ages from 8 to 15.
All four of the children received a backpack filled with school supplies donated by Hartford Insurance Co. Karen Jacobs, coordinator, OKDHS Office of Volunteerism, and Darlene Sapp, program field representative, OKDHS Aging Services Division, helped deliver the backpacks and supplies to Bosco and the four children.
“We appreciated it so much,” Bosco said. “Every time the Hartford people do something, it’s always a blessing.”
Employees with the Hartford Insurance Co. purchased school supplies and a backpack for 77 grandchildren in 42 grandfamilies in the Oklahoma City/Norman area, said Debbie Dozier, an administrative assistant with the company. All of the supplies and backpacks went to children who are living with grandparents that are recipients of the OKDHS Aging Services Division respite program.
Another group, Citizens Caring for Children, that provides assistance to foster parents and children, helped provide school supplies for more than 800 foster children in Oklahoma County, said Diana Harbolt, executive director.
Last year, OKDHS’ Data Services Division assisted in the school supply drive by donating more than 3,700 items.
Angie Graves and Gloria Conaway, both school-based social workers with OKDHS in Rogers County, coordinated a “Back to School Bash” in early August that helped 501 children who receive services from OKDHS. The children were a part of the more than 2,000 Rogers County children that were helped as a part of the joint effort between OKDHS and the First United Methodist Church in Claremore, Graves said.
Child Care Licensing, Rogers County Youth Services, Domestic Violence Intervention and a number of OKDHS programs were also represented at the event.
In addition to distributing school supplies, sponsors of the bash also gave families the opportunity to receive books donated by the Rogers County Literacy Council, clothing and free immunizations provided by the Caring Van and free haircuts onsite or coupons for haircuts from local barbers and stylists.
“This was our first year to hold the event,” Graves said. “We were extremely pleased with the response and the turnout.”
OKDHS School-based social workers in Wagoner County organized a Health Fair during which children received free immunizations, vision and hearing screenings and free hair cuts on site. More than 300 children attended the event, said Monica Brumnett, a school-based social worker who helped organize the health fair.
“This was a great thing to do for families that cannot afford supplies and health checks,” she said.
In Kingfisher County, three OKDHS school-based social workers organized a school supply drive for Kingfisher County the first week of August, said Teresa Semrad, one of the workers involved in the drive. Staff furnished 62 children in the county with school supplies thanks to a great deal of support from area businesses, churches and civic organizations.
If you or someone you know are interested in becoming an OKDHS volunteer, please contact Jacobs at (405) 522-2528 or by e-mail at Karen.Jacobs@OKDHS.org.
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