Helping for the Holidays : Supporting nonprofits in Kay Country This Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a trying time for many in our community. Kay County is home to a handful of nonprofits whose work involves creating a sense of home and/or safety for the clients and families they serve. This task can often be even more difficult during the holidays. While these programs need support from our community 24/7, they could especially use the extra love this time of year.

Survivor Resource Network’s mission is to “empower individuals, educate the community and advocate for justice to end domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support services and ensuring that survivors have access to the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”

SRN Executive Director Tara Tyler says the holidays can be “a particularly challenging time for many of our clients, as it often brings heightened emotional stress and financial strain.” Instead of a time of joy, this time of year can leave victims of abuse feeling isolated or even trigger painful memories for them. Because of this, the resources provided by SRN become even more important during the holiday season.

Volunteers during this time are needed for both labor at the shelter, as well as more administrative-type tasks. Whatever your special skills, Tyler can find a place for you to help out. Volunteers can wrap gifts, organize donation drives, help with special events and fundraise and advocate for the program. Tyler adds, “During the holidays, our greatest needs are for gift cards, new clothing, hygiene products, toys for children and nonperishable food items. Monetary donations are also crucial as they help fund our emergency shelter and counseling services. You can donate directly through our website or bring items to our office, where we accept donations year-round.”

Peachtree Landing mission is “to assist homeless individuals and families through temporary emergency shelter and strengthen their capacity to live independently.” Executive Director Terrie Hill says that PTL is there to take care of anyone that comes to stay with them. She adds, “That’s why we chose the name Peachtree Landing. A landing represents a safe place during a storm, and the blossoms of the peach tree represent hope and potential.”

Hill explains that things change constantly at the shelter since they don’t necessarily know from day to day who or how many will need housing. While this can make planning hard, PTL staff work hard to make all clients as comfortable as possible and to ensure they know they are safe and cared for.

While PTL cannot utilize volunteers at the shelter due to strict confidentiality guidelines, volunteers are always needed at their thrift store, My Favorite Things. My Favorite Things is located in downtown Ponca City. The store runs completely on donations and 100% of the proceeds from the store go back to Peachtree Landing. The store accepts donations via their back door located in the alley behind their business. It’s painted bright turquoise, so you can’t miss it! Donating gently used items is a wonderful way to support Peachtree now and all year around.

Monetary donations from individuals or businesses can make a huge impact on the clients served by Peachtree Landing. Donations can easily be made online via their website. Checks are welcomed as well. PTL can also use medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and cold meds.

Marland’s Place’s mission is to bring children together with nurturing families. Their vision is to assure each child in their care will grow to be a responsible adult. Their belief is that a nurturing family can make a positive difference.

Director of Development Aprille Ostler shares that the holidays can be particularly hard on foster families as there are so many extra expenses that come with making the season extra special for kids. Ostler says support from the community during the holidays helps them “give these kids a holiday season full of joy, celebration and the chance to just be kids.”

Marland’s Place could always use extra volunteers around this season. They host a Christmas party for their foster families each year. They invite the community to set up games or activities for the children at this event and would welcome any fun that can be added. They also need helpers to wrap presents and donate baked goods for their party.

Ostler says any groups wanting to go the extra mile could host a toy drive. They want to ensure every child has something special to open for Christmas, so toy donations make a big difference. They could also use food or snack baskets for their foster families. Foster parents carry an extra load, and anything done to help them feel more loved and seen by their community is welcome. Physical items can be dropped off at Marland’s Place, and monetary donations can be made online or in person.

For many, the holidays are a time of thanksgiving and increased gratitude for the abundance in our lives. If you are fortunate enough to live in abundance, consider generously donating your time, talent or treasure to one of these deserving nonprofits this holiday season.

For more information on any of these incredible nonprofits, contact them directly. Survivor Resource Network’s phone number is (580) 762-2873. Their website is www.survivorresourcenetwork.org. Peachtree Landing’s phone number is (580) 762-3208. Their website is www.peachtreelandingpc.com. Marland’s Place’s phone number is (580) 762-4156. Their website is www.marlandsplace.com.

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