DHS recognizes state’s volunteers—Sallisaw Lions Club receives Ed Birchall Award

Every year generous Oklahomans across the state donate countless hours to making the state a better place in which to live.  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) recognized some of those individuals recently at the annual 2016 Volunteer and Community Partner Awards Ceremony, held at the Oklahoma History Center. 

 “Leading the Way” was the theme for this year’s event.  The ceremony honored volunteers and community partners whose efforts made a difference in the lives of others.

“In lean budget years it becomes increasingly important for us to collaborate with our community partners, stakeholders and volunteers,” said Karen Jacobs, Administrator for the DHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement.  “Each year our citizens donate countless hours and continue to lead the way in helping their communities.  This ceremony was our way of honoring them for their efforts.”

The Sallisaw Lions Club received the Ed Birchall Award, named for the late Oklahoma City comic and philanthropist.  Birchall was more commonly known as "Ho-Ho the Clown" on KOCO-TV.

Birchall's daughter, Regina Birchall, presented the award to the Sallisaw Lions Club for their work throughout Sequoyah County.  For the last 30 years the group has worked with DHS on the annual Foster Children Christmas Party, providing the venue, snacks and photos with Santa.  They partner with Sallisaw Public Schools to provide monetary donations and eye glasses for children in need, and they provide a number of other volunteer services throughout the year.

"I have witnessed the services these volunteers provide, and I am always amazed and humbled by the work they do,” Jacobs said.  “Oklahoma is truly blessed to have such genuine, caring individuals."

Last year Oklahoma had nearly 800,000 people who volunteered more than 85 million hours of service.  Their efforts provided more than $37 million in services to Oklahoma.

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