The sound of the bells that rang through Quail Springs Mall this morning will echo again and again across the Oklahoma City metro and throughout the nation in the coming months. They bring to mind colder weather, holiday shopping and little red kettles being put to work to collect some seasonal joy.
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command led our community into the Christmas season Thursday morning, with a little help from its friends – including Rumble the Bison and the Thunder Girls.
As part of its eighth annual Holiday Assist, presented by Cox Communications, the Thunder has partnered with Chesapeake Energy to make a greater impact on the Salvation Army holiday programs.
The Angel Tree and Red Kettle kickoff began an annual campaign that will bring smiles and gifts to at least 5,000 children in central Oklahoma, as well as additional gifts for seniors. Thus far, the Salvation Army reports that it has seen about a 15 percent increase in requests over last year.
“We’ll also be providing food for over 7,000 individuals that will come to the Salvation Army, that are seeking assistance,” said Major Carlyle Gargis of the Salvation Army.
“We are so grateful that we have the Thunder coming in behind us to say, ‘We’re there to help,” he added.
This year, Chesapeake Energy has committed to join in the effort to ensure that more of our neighbors have what they need to experience the joy of the season.
“We really want to focus on where we can make the biggest impact, and immediately we went to giving back to children, making sure every child has a holiday gift this season and also food on the table,” said Lindsay McIntyre with Chesapeake. “That’s why we partnered this year with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.”
Even with the collective efforts of the Salvation Army, the Thunder and Chesapeake, the success of these holiday programs relies on the generosity of everyday Oklahomans. As the kickoff event wrapped up, there were already people watching the ceremony who dropped coins in the kettle and purchased gifts to fulfill wishes from the Angel Tree.
Angel Trees are open now through Dec. 12 at Quail Springs Mall and Penn Square Mall. The red kettles will be set up throughout the metro area starting on Nov. 20.
For more on the Thunder Holiday Assist program, presented by Cox Communications, CLICK HERE.