Oklahoma Wildfires - Donations Needed

We Oklahomans are a pretty tough bunch.  We've dealt with terrorist bombings, tornadoes, hail the size of softballs, weird earthquakes, fires, and even earthquakes and tornadoes at the same time, and we get through it because we are always there to lend our neighbors a helping hand.  We don't have to be told to, it's just a part of who we are.  This phenomenon of Oklahomans coming together in times of distress is something the Oklahoma media coined as the "Oklahoma Standard." 

It's that goodhearted, friendly, neighborly spirit that we have inside of us that tells us to help when we are needed.  It makes us go above and beyond just making a small donation and actually go help our neighbors rebuild their homes after a tornado hits. It's that thing inside of you that tells you to treat this stranger in need like you would your own family, not because you have to, but because you want to... Or at least that's what it's always meant to me.  

Now the Oklahoma Standard may not mean anything to you, but from the first time I heard the term, when the Murrah building was bombed, until today, when I saw a friend referring to it while talking about her home being burnt to the ground, it means something to me. I don't have much to give, but I have a voice... and this blog, so I'll use them the best I can to relay all the info I can find! 

I've lived in Oklahoma for 20+ years and yesterday's wildfires were the first time that my home town, Noble, Oklahoma (Slaughterville) was substantially impacted by a force of nature.  Many of my childhood friends and neighbors lost their homes (all these pictures were taken from my friends facebook posts), and some are still waiting, wondering what remains of their homes, as they were evacuated and are still unable to return.  My heart aches for them. I can't imagine what all of their families are going through right now and I just wish there was more I could do.  

Right now the Red Cross is helping shelter evacuated families until they can return home and local burn barns are collecting clothes, appliances, food, toys, bedding, and furniture. I know many of my readers are not local, but if you could donate a few dollars to Red Cross it could be so helpful! Or if you have anything lying around that you could ship the burn barns via a flat rate box from the post office, you could really help these families out a lot! 

So far here is what I've found out as far as donations:

• The American Red Cross opened an overnight shelter for evacuees of the Noble/ Slaughterville fire at the Slaughterville Baptist Church on 10101 60th St, Lexington, OK 73051. Go here to donate to the OKLAHOMA RED CROSS!

• Noble Chamber of Commerce is taking donations at 114 S. Main St., Noble, OK 73068. 

• Oklahoma Emergency Management is asking for donations of water and Gatorade for firefighters be sent to Feed The Children warehouse at 31 N. McCormick Oklahoma City, OK from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m tomorrow (KOCH FOX 25)

• Oklahoma County: Donations of food, clothing, appliances, furniture, bedding or toys will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, then Monday through the rest of the week at the county's three maintenance barns. The barns are at 11500 N Hudson, 7105 S Anderson Road and 7321 NE 23. Items also will be accepted at the sheriff's substation at SE 29 and Midwest Boulevard. (NewsOK)

• Luther, Jone
  s, Choctaw, Harrah, Nicoma Park, OKC, and a number of other area FD's are helping to put out the fires. They need our help, the FIREFIGHTERS are hungry and THIRSTY.  They are requesting fast easy foods/ drinks.   Deliver to Luther High School Activity Center just east of the new football field! (FB)

If you can send anything it will be much appreciated! My heart is with everyone who's been affected by these awful fires.  Please pass this information on so that everyone who wants to make a donation will know how/where to make one! Thank you all! <3


UPDATES

• Donations of protein bars, bananas, grapes, apples, oranges or anything to eat is desperately needed by the firefighters who are getting cramps and injuries in this heat. Bring any donations to the Slaughterville Fire Department on highway 77 (address below).

• Also 30 homes in Noble and 70 homes in Norman have been destroyed. These families will need everything from clothes to school supplies. Please drop off donations at the Slaughterville Fire Department on highway 77.  The address is  10701 US HWY 77, Lexington, OK  73051, if you are out of town and want to send monetary donations I'm sure they would be much appreciated as well, this will be a long rebuilding process!

• Any horses can be taken to the Loyd Noble Center and any pets or animals can be taken to the Noble Animal Clinic... free of charge of course.

For more information on where to send donations see the Donation Drive!