Last Tuesday, as volunteers and staff of Bristow Area Social Services bustled about excitedly preparing for Christmas, a surprise unfolded in the foyer. The organization known best for its giving and support of others received a substantial gift, one that began more than a decade and a half ago.
In 2004, a small group of locals founded Bristow Habitat for Humanity, Bristow HFH, and raised money locally to help build homes for those in need. After a brief period of building those houses, however, Bristow HFH found itself short of volunteers to keep up with the extensive paperwork the national organization required, so it ceased operations. Recently, the original group of Bristow HFH founders per formed needed maintenance on the remaining accounts and learned that more than $21K could be donated locally. For their part, they opted for the local organization they believe does “the most good for the most people”: Bristow Area Social Services.
As volunteers busily worked on December 21st, a small meeting convened near the hallway. On behalf of Bristow Habitat for Humanity, founding members Bob and Kris Wyatt and Dr. Chip Cooper presented Bristow Area Social Services Director Toni Godwin with a check for $21,092.56, saying “This is the most valuable place we can give the money. You do the most good for the most people in the community. We’re just so grateful for what you’re doing here.” With a shocking joy on her face and in her heart, Toni was taken aback for a moment as gratitude passed all around the group. Within seconds, everyone in the building heard the news, and all wore wide smiles and expressed a heartfelt joy of thankfulness.
Still smiling, Toni explained that the money will go toward building a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen with three-tier sink and stainless-steel workstation tables. Further, she stated their goal is to reconnect with Oklahoma State University’s extension services to provide cooking classes, including teaching clients how to stretch their money while purchasing healthy, fresh foods and cook meals from scratch. Thanks to Bristow HFH’s sizable donation, Bristow Area Social Services moves one step closer to helping people choose more nutritious foods and building a healthier community.
Anyone can make a donation to or volunteer with Bristow Area Social Services. To learn more about the services they provide or inquire about volunteering or making a donation, contact Toni at (918) 367-5400.