DURANT, OK-- Valorie Stanley has handed out thousands of backpacks to students, over the eight years she's worked with Hope Chest in Durant.
She says some of the children in the area have never had a brand new backpack.
"It's something that's theirs, it's something that's new. A lot of times they don't get a lot of new," Stanley explained.
Hope Chest is the sister non-profit to Families Feeding Families. They're located at the corner of NE 4th and Elm Streets. They offer clothes, house hold items and school supplies, free of charge to those in need.
"Tuesday the 7th we are going to open and start handing out the school supply backpacks and then that is our opening for our clothing and every day Hope Chest needs," said, Ticia Burkhalter.
She says she has already received dozens of text messages from people who need a little extra help. And it's not just Durant residents who can take part.
Families from Hugo, Sherman, and Ardmore have all come through the Hope Chest's doors.
"This is allowing our kids to have an opportunity to succeed. It's not about what people are doing and not doing, it's about those kids. It's about making a difference and giving them the tools that they need," Burkhalter said.
She expects to give over 2,000 new backpacks to students.And Stanley encourages anyone who needs the help to stop by. There is no paperwork done and no questions asked.
"One year they were totally lined up around the building, it's just, your just awestruck. I don't know, it's just makes you feel good to be able to give," Stanley said.
NEED:
Financial support
Backbacks
Pencils
Pens
Map Pencils
Crayons
Markers
Loose paper
Notebooks
Folders
Binders
Nap Pads
CONTACT:
Ticia Burkhalter at (580) 230-9142 (Text or Call)
WHERE:
NE 4th St. and Elm in Durant
Every Bank in Durant will be donating a free lunch to those who stop by on Tuesday. Hours will be 9 AM to 1PM.
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