Oklahoma law enforcement officers unite to help bring holiday gifts to more than 400 children
By Addison Kliewer
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — The holiday season is near, and a community effort in Oklahoma City is ensuring more than 400 children will receive gifts through Sunbeam Family Services’ annual program.
“It’s the season of giving,” said Capt. Benjamin Weir, public information officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department, while shopping for gifts. “We’ve already found out the Hot Wheels priced us out. So, now we’re able to move on to cars and racetracks.”
The effort is part of Sunbeam Family Services’ 26th annual “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” holiday program.
“What you have, oftentimes, is you have family members that are thrust into a situation to where maybe they’re raising their loved ones’ children, and with that, oftentimes, they’re on a fixed income. So, things can be tight during Christmas. And this gives us the opportunity maybe to put things over the top, which Christmas should be every year,” Weir said.
Angie Gaines, marketing representative for Sunbeam Family Services, described the process.
“What they did is their grandkids provided a list of their most wanted items, and then we already have the fundraising done for that. So, we’re just shopping today. We are having fun. We’re cooking out what they want,” Gaines said.
The gifts will be distributed at a holiday party in December.
Beyond the holidays, Sunbeam Family Services connects grandparents with resources, support groups and other services throughout the year.
While registration for the holiday program has ended, Sunbeam Family Services encourages families to contact them to learn more about its year-round services.
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