More than 140 abused or neglected children made safe in foster care won’t be going home for Christmas.

Foster care is their only alternative to be safe and well cared for. There are 2,000 such children in the state, and more than 140 in Muskogee County. They range in age from 1 month to 18 years.

One of their needs not met by the state — Christmas gifts.

But they can bank on one thing — they will have a Christmas, thanks to Department of Human Services workers and area residents.

“Without community support, there wouldn’t be a Christmas for these kids,” said Betty Stevenson of DHS.

This year, the city has allowed DHS to use the armory for A party and dinner for the children.

Volunteers will provide the goodies for the party, which this year will be pizza and other “kid” delights.

Last year, one man donated barbecue for the event and made beans and potatoes.

Employees of each unit at DHS are providing a Christmas wonderland with huge, inflatable Christmas characters.

Honky the Clown will be there with all kinds of balloon characters he makes as the kids watch.

“Their little eyes just shine when they see him,” Stevenson said. “He’s promised to be there — at no charge.”

A gigantic tree will have two presents for each child — each costing up to $30.

“Some have no family member to step up and say they will take them for the holiday,” said Mike Jackson, area director for Muskogee County Department of Human Services.

“What the community donates becomes these kids’ Christmas. They have no family to back them up for Christmas.”