NewsOK member benefits

Burkes: The gift of giving is the best present possible

Many of the some 300 volunteers needed for the Salvation Army's toy distribution came from generous employers.

By Paula Burkes | Published: December 25, 2012 Comment on this article

Multimedia

Videoview all videos

Salvation Army distribution

Dec 19The Salvation Army and Feed the Children teamed to...

Photoview all photos

Article Gallery: Burkes: The gift of giving is the best present possible

“I just had a lady whose five kids all got bikes, and she stood there overwhelmed in tears,” said Debbie Hernandez, her candy cane earrings dangling. “That's why I'm here,” she said.

For their part, Cox employees James Steele and Mitchell Hayes help Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary member Sharron Ashton manage the mountains of 30-inch-by-30-inch boxes required for the massive toys distribution, including immediately breaking down and whisking away the emptied ones so they can be used for several years to come.

Christmas 2013 will be here before we know it. Plan now to join me in giving ourselves the best present possible: the gift of giving. To volunteer, contact The Salvation Army, 311 SW 5, at 246-1101 or www.salvationarmyokcac.org. If you're unable to give time, financial gifts also can be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2095, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.

Merry Christmas!

Page 2 of 2