TULSA, Okla., July 31, 2007 – Routie the Roadrunner will continue to dress in his Santa stocking cap as the Christmas in July toy drive has been extended until Friday, August 3, allowing area citizens to continue donating toys to the Laura Dester Shelter to help the 66ers reach their goal of 500 donations.

During the month of July, the NBA D-League Tulsa 66ers have been honored to unite with the Laura Dester Shelter, in partnership with Sonic Drive-In Restaurants, to bring the youth of the shelter presents from area residents.

Beginning on July 1, Green Country residents were asked to donate toys to the Laura Dester Shelter. In exchange for all toys, games, or playful summer items dropped off at any area 24-hour Sonic Drive-In Restaurant, donors received a Tulsa 66ers jersey, courtesy of Sonic Drive-In.

Initially, the 66ers had slated the Christmas in July toy drive to end today, July 31, with an estimated goal of 500 donated toys. Due to the generous response from the community, the toy drive has been extended to Friday, August 3. For each toy donated at any 24-hour Sonic Drive-In, donors will receive a Tulsa 66ers jersey.

The 66ers work together with the shelter to provide mentorship opportunities with the players and dance team, rocking babies, sorting clothing donations, painting rooms, decorating common areas, landscaping and general maintenance among other responsibilities.

“We are happy to take part in the toy drive for the Laura Dester Shelter,” said Jason Srader, Central Region Sales Manager for Sonic Drive-In Restaurants. “Community involvement is a way to be a good neighbor and a way to have a positive impact on our community. I am just glad for the opportunity to partner with the Tulsa 66ers.”

The Laura Dester Shelter is a temporary home for abused and neglected children. A division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and funded by the state, the shelter housed 1,580 children in 2005.

When there is no room at foster homes, the Laura Dester Shelter becomes a home away from home for children.

The Laura Dester Shelter is continually looking for volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering with the Laura Dester Shelter call (918) 560-4803.

Area 24-hour Sonic Drive-In Restaurants
71st & 145th (Tulsa)
Brookside (Tulsa)
81st & Lewis (Tulsa)
116th St. (Owasso)
91st & Memorial (Tulsa)
48th & Memorial (Tulsa)
Glenpool

About the D-League
While not every NBA Development League Player will realize his dream of playing in the NBA, every Tulsa 66ers player will have the opportunity to grow both on and off the court. The Tulsa 66ers work hard to find out ways they can roll up our sleeves and lend a hand. Players and staff members have been actively involved in various programs to improve the quality of life in their communities. The Tulsa 66ers strongly believe the best way to build ties in their community is to be an active member in it.

To find out more information about the Tulsa 66ers community relations program, contact Erin Hoefer, at ehoefer@tulsa66ers.com or (918) 585-8444.

“Our Success Is Not Measured In Wins and Losses, but In the Lives We Touch Along the Way.”