The United Way of Central Oklahoma is well known for helping central Oklahomans in times of need. This year that assistance will have some holiday spirit, as the organization is launching the inaugural year of its Stockings of Joy program. With the help of volunteers and donations, more than 5,000 stuffed stockings will be distributed to children 10 and under and seniors who are served by our United Way Partner Agencies.

“A Partner Agency coordinated a similar holiday program in the past and they were not able to continue to fund the program this year,” said Debby Hampton, president and CEO, United Way of Central Oklahoma. “The United Way identified this gap need and stepped in to coordinate a new program that will reach many of our community’s most vulnerable citizens. We believe Stockings of Joy will bring hope and happiness to those in need during the holidays.”

Last year’s stocking project touched more than 10,000 lives, directly aligning with United Way’s vision of creating a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community.

“We are incredibly grateful to have so many generous community partners that are providing support in the inaugural year of Stockings of Joy, providing fellow central Oklahomans with the happiness we all deserve during tough times. Due to increasing needs in our community, we anticipate this program will become a holiday tradition,” Hampton said.

Stockings filled with personal hygiene products, holiday candy and toys will be distributed to a handful of United Way of Central Oklahoma’s 58 Partner Agencies. Donations and volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this program. If you would like to donate items or volunteer to stuff stockings, please contact United Way at (405) 236-8441 or email volunteer@unitedwayokc.org.

About United Way of Central Oklahoma

United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. The organization received the 2016 Charles Schusterman Award for Excellence from the Center for Nonprofits as the state’s top nonprofit organization. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call (405) 236-8441.