Holiday helping hands

There are many opportunities to help less fortunate people in Cherokee County this season.

By BETTY RIDGE

While many families spend Christmas diving into piles of presents around the tree, others are content to spend the holiday in a safe, warm place, with food in their stomachs and clean clothes on their backs.

Cherokee County has several agencies dedicated to helping the less fortunate do just that, and maybe have a few holiday treats as well. And all gladly accept donations from the public, in the form of food, clothing, other items, or just plain cash (or a check).

An unscientific poll of Daily Press readers asked whether, with a still sluggish economy, they planned to do anything to help the less fortunate. Many that they would, despite hard times and perhaps having less to spend on their own family.

Of the 46 votes counted, 39.13 said that while they didn’t have much, they would participate in an angel tree or do something for the less fortunate. A larger number, 43.48 percent, said they consider themselves among the less fortunate and wouldn’t be able to do anything for others, except possibly pray.

Another 10.87 said they felt people make their own misery and they were definitely not in the market to help, while another 6.52 percent just didn’t know.

What local agencies do know is they see plenty of people daily who are hungry and need clothes, or that special step up to better their lives.

“We can always use more food,” said Becky Baughman, chairman of the board at CARE Food Pantry.

Of course, the pantry also welcomes checks to help purchase more food.

The pantry, at 220 N. Muskogee Ave., distributes food to individuals and families between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and also hands out sack lunches to individuals. Clients range from pregnant women and their children to elders.

Canned goods and other nonperishable items – such as cereal, rice, boxed macaroni and cheese and other staples – are needed, along with canned milk, soups and juices.

“Right now, we’re trying to get things ready so we’ll have a few extra things to give out during Christmas dinner,” Baughman said.

Such items as Stove Top or similar stuffing mixes, and canned cranberry sauce, would help give the holiday dinner a traditional touch.

And two simple items are especially close to Baughman’s heart — peanut butter and jelly for sandwiches.

“That’s something kids can do for themselves and it’s a healthy source of protein,” Baughman said “Every order that goes out for a family with kids has peanut butter and jelly.”

Volunteer Dudley Brown, who was helping pack the groceries, noted he was running short of jelly Wednesday morning, and hoped more would come in.

The pantry will take almost any kind of nonperishable food, but doesn’t encourage donations of exotic or uncommon items people may not be used to.

“I’ve noticed people have a tendency to donate what they like, because that’s usually what people around here like,” Baughman said.

She said the pre-Christmas food donations will help sustain the food bank through May, when the U.S. Postal Service distributes bags and collects groceries along mail routes. But people don’t stop getting hungry after the holidays, so year-round donations are desirable.

The King’s Aid Station, 706 Cherry Lane, distributes food and clothing beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The mission is accepting toys for the Christmas giveaway, Dec. 14-15.

People also need blankets, socks, gloves, and stocking caps to help keep warm, now that winter weather has arrived, Clothing for men, women and children is welcomed, along with food for the pantry. Donations may be left under the canopy at the building if donors arrive when the mission isn’t staffed.

Three agencies help those who are homeless or in temporary housing because of personal crises, and all would be glad to see the residents receive gifts as well as items they need for everyday use, such as toiletries.

Help-In-Crisis has angel trees at Walmart Supercenter, Reflections, Armstrong Bank, Tulsa Teachers Credit Union and Tahlequah Lumber Co. People can adopt a child or a family, and gifts for single women and mothers at the shelter will make Christmas a happier one.

HIC always can use personal toiletries, and such basic items as toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, combs, brushes, soap and lotion.

“They don’t come in with anything,” said Christina Bowlin, volunteer coordinator, said of the clients.

She said that in today’s economy, charitable agencies are losing many grants, so donations of cash help pay the utility bills and maintain the shelter for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, and their children.

Hope House offers temporary shelter for women and families. Currently five children are in the shelter.

“At this time of year, we become more busy,” said Director Laura Garner.

The shelter can use cleaning supplies and paper products, as well as toiletries, similar to those on the HIC wish list, for the shelter residents. They also could use warm coats in all sizes.

“If anyone wants to call us about a family they’d like to adopt for the holiday, they’re welcome to do so,” Garner said. “When families come in, a lot of the time it’s already past the time for angel tree adoptions. Check back closer to Christmas to see what numbers have changed, and what needs we have.”

Project O-Si-Yo provides shelter for men, and as with Hope House, the numbers fluctuate.

Director Tom Lewis said Thursday seven men were staying at the shelter, down from 14 at the beginning of the week. There may well be more by Christmas.

The men need personal items and toiletries and razors. Necessities like new underwear and socks, and food supplies also are welcome.

Lewis said the shelter residents appreciate any attention they receive at Christmas.

“It’s always very difficult for them to be there on Christmas Day,” he said

“It’s a very difficult day for these guys. Most of these guys have children. I hope this year some of them are going to get the opportunity to see their children.”

While there are many people in need locally, there also are many pets without a home, shelter and food. The Humane Society of Cherokee County accepts many forms of donations, Beth Rogers said.

“Money is always appropriate,” she said.

“With the financial crunch, more people are having to choose between feeding their children and feeding the dogs. In most cases, they don’t want to give up their pets.”

Donations of dog and cat food to help feed these people’s pets can keep the animals with their families. The Humane Society also accepts donations of dog houses for some of these animals whose owners cannot afford suitable shelter.

Rogers thinks people who are stressed and dealing with hard economic times need the comfort a pet can give even more, and they don’t need the added distress of having to part with a beloved pet.

“We all need something that loves us without reserve,” she said.

The no-kill shelter currently houses 130 dogs, and when some are adopted, others come along to take their place. They may stay at the shelter for a few days, or for extended periods.

If your pocketbook is thin, but you have time and energy, you can donate those to help the dogs.

“We have people who come out several times during the week and take the dogs out on leashes to walk them,” Rogers said.

The dogs line up in anticipation of their walks, and the organization tries to make sure each dog gets that personal touch as often as possible. Collars and leashes for this purpose are welcome donations.

Rogers also offered this advice for people who plan to surprise a family member with a puppy or kitten under the tree — don’t, at least not in that fashion.

Christmas is hectic enough without trying to cope with a new family member, and it’s especially confusing and possibly dangerous for a young animal.

“If you plan to give an animal for Christmas, be sure you talk to the recipient and found out if they can afford not only to feed it, but vet care,” she said.

“It’s never a good idea to give a small dog to a family that has children 5 and under.”

Children can injure a small animal without meaning to do so. Rather than present a live animal on Christmas day, a box under the tree can contain feeding bowls, toys, and a suitable book on dog or cat care.

Then, after the Christmas excitement has died down, the family can have an excursion to the shelter to pick out the new pet. They’ll save a life, and the animal will provide a lifelong gift in return.