Donors help fulfill children’s wishes

An anonymous donor provided eight shiny new bikes for children hoping Santa might bring them one.

The Muskogee Phoenix and the Department of Human Services are teaming up with the community to bring a merrier Christmas to 58 children under DHS authority but living in their homes. The children receive oversight from DHS, but no financial help. Most live in homes of the working poor, DHS officials said.

The donor providing bikes also provided eight gift certificates for teenagers who hoped Santa would let them shop for themselves.

Another donor is providing University of Oklahoma sweat suits to a number of the children. Many other people have pledged to bring gifts. If the Phoenix receives extra gifts, they will be shared with a non-profit agency needing gifts or with DHS.

“No child is required to get any gifts, but this whole season is about giving, and many of the children would receive nothing if it weren’t for the kind spirits of so many people in this community,” said Mike Jackson, director of the Muskogee County DHS.

The parents of the children on the Phoenix/DHS Christmas wish list are trying, but they need help, said Gerald Davis, assistant director of the Muskogee County DHS.

“A child deserves our generosity and kindness. A child is a gift, a community’s hope,” Davis said.

Please drop your gifts by the Phoenix at 214 Wall St. before Dec. 15. The sooner the better. Phoenix employees will wrap the gifts and get them to DHS, who will deliver them to the children for whom they were purchased.

The Phoenix is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

If you need help in getting the gifts to the Phoenix, or have any questions, call Donna Hales at 684-2923 or 869-2886, or call Kathi Rodden at 684-2877.



Reach Donna Hales at 918-684-2923 or Click Here to Send Email