The Arc of Oklahoma offers statewide support

TULSA — The nonprofit formerly known as TARC recently changed its name to The Arc of Oklahoma and is offering statewide services and support for more than 60,000 Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Since the pandemic, the nonprofit has moved to virtual delivery of existing programs. It also joins a national effort to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities by amplifying their stories. As part of this effort, a 2021 calendar featuring Oklahomans with varied diagnoses will be available for $20 at thearcok.org.

The Arc of Oklahoma also is calling on the public to send holiday notes, cards and letters of encouragement to those in residential facilities. These can be mailed to The Arc of

Oklahoma, 2516 E 71st St., Suite A, Tulsa, OK 74136.

Zoo, Boy Scouts team up for food drive

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden have partnered with the Last Frontier Council, Boy Scouts of America to collect nonperishable food items. Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the nation, where one in six Oklahomans struggle with hunger.

Food items can be dropped off at the zoo's ticket window from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Nov. 14. In return, guests can receive half off general zoo admission.

Ideal food items include canned protein/meat items (chicken, tuna, beans and salmon), canned soups, canned fruit, canned vegetables, nut butters, dry pasta and cereal. Donations will benefit area food pantries.

American Cancer Society's virtual gala reset

The American Cancer Society's Cattle Baron's Ball has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Friday because of the recent ice storm and election coverage.

The virtual event will be streamed at cattlebaronsballokc.org with news anchor Abigail Ogle as emcee and former news anchor and cancer survivor Cherokee Ballard as co-emcee.

The virtual gala still will have the traditional auctions and presentations. Entertainment will be provided by Nashville's Mary Sue Englund and her band, Joyful Noise.

For information, go to cancer.org or call 800-227-2345.