Edmond native supports food bank
Oklahomans continue to step up to help as food insecurity remains a problem for others in the state.
Philadelphia 76ers guard and Edmond native Josh Richardson donated $25,000 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to provides meals to Oklahomans affected by COVID-19 and the economic downturn.
"These uncertain times have really reinforced how important family and community is," Richardson said. "Oklahoma will always be home for me and I'm fortunate to be in the position to give back to my hometown and the community that raised me."
Since the outbreak of the COVID- 19 pandemic, members of t he Regional Food Bank' s network of partner agencies have seen unprecedented increases in the need for food assistance across central and western Oklahoma. In April, the organization distributed a record 6.2 million pounds of food, 1.5 million more pounds than an average month.
“We love to see Oklahomans helping Oklahomans ," said Deb Bunting, interim CEO of the
Regional Food Bank. "Thanks to Josh's donation, we will be able to provide 100,000 meals to Oklahomans who are living with food insecurity during these difficult times."
The Regional Food Bank is able to provide four meals for every $1 donated. To make a financial donation, visit rfbo. org/give or call 405-972-1111.
If you are in need of food assistance, visit rfbo. org/ get-help, enter a ZIP code to find the nearest food bank partner or call 405-972-1111.
HoganTaylor Foundation grants
Meanwhile, Tulsa-based HoganTaylor Foundation has awarded nearly $15,000 in grants to area food banks in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, to assist the organizations with their efforts during the pandemic.
Grant recipients include The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas Foodbank, and Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
“As we begin returning to our offices at HoganTaylor, we recognize that, for many in our communities, the pandemic still presen ts ongoing challenges that continue to have a real impact ,” CEO Randy Nail said .“In response to this need, and in keeping with the firm's commitment to our core value of service, we' re so glad to support these organizations that are doing so much for our communities in this uncertain time.”
Each year, the HoganTaylor Foundation accepts grant requests from non profits that provide services in Oklahoma and Arkansas .2020 grant applications will be accepted through June 30.
This year, trustees will be giving priority to organizations that have led the way through stepped-up efforts during the pandemic.
More information about the grant request process is at www.hogantaylor.com/ foundation.
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We're l ooking f or f eelgood stories in the midst of the pandemic. If you have any verifiable tales of kindness, we want to hear about them. Simply email cbunyan@oklahoman.com.