Each year, Bristow Area Social Services (BASS) runs its adopt-a-child Christmas gift program for area children in need. Similar in nature to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, BASS began accepting applications and referrals for its gifting program in October. BASS serves not only Bristow but most of the county, including Drumright, Olive, Oilton, Slick, Depew, Gypsy, Shamrock, and areas near Kellyville. Now, the organization seeks community members to adopt one or more children and purchase new and unused gifts for them.
Locally, many businesses, both banks, and churches have partnered with social services to host trees decorated with red tags, each one representing an enrolled child with his or her need and wish list. In partnership with the Bristow Police Department, some children are adopted and gifted through the “Shop with a Cop” program. Typically, employees of host businesses adopt the children on those trees while members of the general populace are invited to adopt a child(ren) from the tree located at Walmart or directly through social services. After purchasing new and unused gifts, adoptive persons may remove tags or barcodes before returning the gifts to social services with the adopted child’s tag. Employees adopting children from an employer’s tree must return the gifts with the child’s tag to their employer.
This year, Bristow Area Social Services’ Executive Director Toni Godwin states that 183 children, ages birth to seventeen, are enrolled in the program and awaiting Christmas gift adoption. Gifts may be wrapped or unwrapped and must be returned no later than December 10th to social services. Employees of host businesses are encouraged to check with employers when adopting a child as they often require earlier return dates for gifts.
While members of the public may adopt a child from their tree, Bristow’s Mainer Ford hosts a tree for its employees to choose and adopt a child(ren). This year marks the second year Mainer Ford has chosen to host a tree and adopt children. Staff member Chrissy Bishop noted their reasons for hosting, saying “Paul Mainer has a giving heart. He enjoys helping and giving back to the community. Serving children is a heartwarming way to give and invest. He instills that generosity and commitment in us employees.” Employees believe the tree will become a long-term annual event and look forward to cheering children at Christmas.
As for Bristow Area Social Services, they appreciate the collective efforts of all who serve and donate year-round, especially at Christmas. Encouraging the community to get involved, Toni said, “You have the opportunity to make a difference in a kid’s life—a kid who may otherwise go without having a Christmas. I think it means a lot to the parents and kids who would not be able to afford gifts for the kids. They are so very appreciative of the gifts they receive. You can make a difference.”
Anyone desiring to serve or donate but who cannot adopt a child may volunteer to help wrap gifts, box or bag donations, or purchase additionally needed items. Additional seasonal needs include snack items and canned food donations, especially staple items. Please call Toni at 918-367-5400 for more information.