Tulsa Community Service Update! – We have loved our time spent giving back this season! We had a blast at Night Light Tulsa and buying gifts for Project Elf Angel Tree!
For Project Elf Angel Tree, we were given the privilege of shopping for a 12 year old boy. It’s always humbling to see the basic necessities they request- from shoes and underwear to socks and clothes for school. My husband, Noah, had a blast letting loose his inner 12 year old boy. We hooked him up with some OKC Thunder gear, some neutral items, and Noah couldn’t pass up getting him an OU shirt. He also asked for a Mongoose bike (those crazy looking things with the mega tires) and a basketball. We got those items, and through in a helmet and bike lock because safety comes first!
Night Light Tulsa. It’s hard to put into words what this experience is like. We showed up and it was INCREDIBLE to see how many volunteers come together. Volunteers meet under the bridge at 6:30, and you can already see guests lining up for a hot meal, pet food, and coats/clothing. After a brief orientation and prayer, volunteers are counted off for different assignments.
My mom and I were assigned to coats and clothing. Right away, a young boy approached wearing only a t-shirt (it was freezing outside and raining). He was so sweet and grateful for the coat. The coats went quickly, and all of the guests in need were appreciative. Night Light encourages volunteers to let the guests have a choice whenever possible, and it was very neat to see how excited a guest would get to do something as simple as having a say in the color of coat they would receive.
Our sweet Abbie brought out her whole crew (husband and three kids), and even brought along another friend of her son’s. I am going to share her post on our facebook page, because she wrote so beautifully about her family’s experience. The regular volunteers there are just phenomenal. You really do have to see to believe what they are able to create under a bridge, on a freezing, wet night. They treat each guest with love, kindness, and dignity. We had other friends join us, and it is just a wonderful place to volunteer with your kids as well! (Probably best for age 5 and over- just at an age where you don’t have to worry about them wandering off).
I could go on and on, but I look forward to updating you on our community service activities! Please let us know if you would ever like to join us!
-Dr. Emily
