Volunteer Coordinator Urges Community Support for Oklahoma Foster Children
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- In her busy role coordinating volunteer efforts year-round for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Karen Jacobs is usually in perpetual motion. She's speaking to community groups about volunteering their time for the OKDHS Foster Grandparent Program, or offering words of encouragement to community groups who support OKDHS initiatives. But during the holiday season, this energetic advocate for community service transforms into one of Santa's elves to help fulfill the wishes of Oklahoma's foster children and neediest families. Written by Inside OKDHS' Mary Leaver Copyright 2010 Inside OKDHS
"Together we can transform our communities," Jacobs said. "One act of kindness at a time."
With the assistance of the Office of Volunteerism's Wanda Jackson and an army of OKDHS staff and volunteers, Jacobs coordinates the collection and distribution of donated toys and food across the state.
Jacobs and Jackson are a virtual whirlwind of activity during the fall and in the days leading up to Christmas, working hard to ensure children in state custody have a Christmas morning filled with happy memories. Every year, there are the last-minute rushes to distribute toys and food to the far reaches of the state.
This year, however, presents some additional challenges. Because of the national and state economic crisis, donations for many organizations are down and more families are requesting assistance.
"With the increase in applications for nutrition assistance (SNAP), it is indicative of the needs of families in Oklahoma," Jacobs said. "Many non-profit organizations are also encountering the economic stresses which many Oklahomans are facing."
Jacobs said the OK Foster Wishes (Link opens in new window) effort is a statewide initiative in which OKDHS is collaborating with OnCue stores and the Oklahoma Employees Credit Union to collect donations.
Also, the Friend of Oklahoma's Foster Children (Link opens in new window) group will be collecting donations for children in Oklahoma County.
Jacobs and her staff welcome any inquiries about volunteer opportunities or how to help children and families during the holiday season by calling (405) 522-2528.
"Oklahomans are the most generous and giving people in the world," Jacobs said. "I've witnessed countless times over the years how we selflessly care for one another. The holiday season is a time when we truly see miracles happen."