Oklahomans generous
When the state’s fiscal 2011 ended last June 30, the number of Oklahomans who got food assistance during an average month was up 47 percent from an average month just three years ago. More than 40 percent of all Oklahoma children got food assistance for at least one month last year. The number of agency employees dropped about 5 percent over the same three years and the remaining employees have now waited more than five years for a cost of living increase.
We console ourselves by saying that things aren’t as bad in Oklahoma as in other states. But, if you’re among the families walking into our offices for the first time in your life, you may be surprised that you make too much money to qualify for food assistance and that the average benefit is only $4.25 per person per day. It would cost three weeks of a person’s food assistance to buy an end zone seat to see the Sooners.
In spite of these seemingly dire circumstances, Oklahomans came through in record numbers during the holidays for our state’s most vulnerable children. Karen Jacobs, who heads our volunteer program, reports that record numbers of foster children had their Christmas wish list filled. Thousands of Oklahoma families picked up the name of a child at their church or at a community partner site and filled the wish list. Gifts were wrapped and delivered by volunteers and social workers to more than 5,000 foster children.
We’ve never seen the outpouring of generosity like this year. Thanks, Oklahoma. Your generosity is inspiring and it