A Summer Lifeline: The Power of a Resource Rally

It was a hot morning – hot, and humid, like many mornings on the edge of an Oklahoma summer – but the faces of the volunteers gathering in the parking lot were all smiles. As they set up tables and unloaded pallets stacked with boxes, many threw an occasional glance at the sky. Some earlier forecasts had threatened bad weather, but instead, the sky had turned from cloudy to brilliant blue. Now the children and families they were preparing for could enjoy the upcoming event free from rain.

The Resource Rally, hosted by Feed the Children, the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, and the Putnam City Schools Foundation, provided food and essential hygiene items to local families, most of them with kids in attendance at the local schools. This Rally also offered additional services: tables set up by more than 20 local partners including healthcare providers, financial services, educational support, and more.

Vendors also worked to make the event a fun one for kids. In addition to the resources aimed at parents, children received small toys. A local movie theater volunteered to provide popcorn; another vendor gave out popsicles perfect for the sunny day.

“This Resource Rally today is unique because we have so many wonderful wraparound services that are here to best serve our community,“ said Catherine White, Account Strategy and Corporate Partnerships Manager at Feed the Children.

“It’s very important for organizations to come together because now is the time families need support the most,” she explained. “Summer can be the hungriest season of the year when kids are out of school and don’t have access to school lunch or school breakfast, so we are here to help try and serve them.”

In Oklahoma, 1 in every 5 children isn’t sure where their next meal is coming from. In some areas, including some around Oklahoma City, that number is even higher.

“Putnam City Schools is one of the largest districts within Oklahoma,” Joy Murphy, Executive Director of the Putnam City Schools Foundation, said. “Unfortunately, we are also facing socioeconomic challenges. In fact, 79% of them are affected. So, support from community partners like Feed the Children makes all the difference.”

During the Resource Rally, 400 local families received vital support. Kids and parents alike left with smiles on their faces, their arms full of food, educational activity books for the summer break, and most importantly a renewed since of hope – knowing they’re not alone. Thanks to generous supporters like you, hope is spreading. But our work is far from over. Thousands of families across the world are still waiting for that same helping hand.

You can be the reason another child smiles, or help another parent breathe easier. Visit our stories page regularly for more news on how your support helps bring relief, joy, and opportunity to the next community in need.