Philanthropy

It’s uplifting to see that kindness, integrity and goodwill are alive and well in Oklahoma. Recently, an employee at a Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma location made a shocking discovery in a box of donations.

Goodwill Associate Andrea Lessing stumbled upon $42,000 that had mistakenly been wrapped up in sweaters and left in a donation box. Lessing reported the cash, and Goodwill was able to locate the rightful owner.

Thanks to Lessing’s good deed, the Oklahoma spirit has captured national attention and her integrity was rewarded when the grateful donor rewarded her with $1,000 to express gratitude and thanks.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Potawatomi children in foster care need Native American foster and adoptive homes now more than ever before. While oftentimes the goal is to work with parents and guardians to reunite with their children, there are cases where finding a permanent, loving family becomes necessary.

FireLodge Children & Family Services provides each foster and adoptive family one on one support from a foster care worker during the approval process and after children are placed in the home. Foster children are also assigned a caring worker.

Find out more information about FireLodge Children & Family Services by visiting potawatomi.org/firelodge or call 405-878-4831.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

This holiday season, consider giving to nonprofits that enrich your community.

A few to consider:

• Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma – helps transform Oklahoma lives through the power of work with free job training and placement services.

• Cristo Rey Oklahoma City High School – provides students with limited resources a path towards college, a career and a fulfilling life. Every student receives a scholarship in which donations help make possible.

• Oklahoma Humane Society – strives to secure a home for animals in need through fostering and adoption.

Or, do your research and find a nonprofit that fits for you. Happy giving!

– Ashley Glass, Jones PR

Several pro-family and pro-life leaders have formed a national coalition to restore a culture that celebrates Biblical principles and traditional family values, and to cultivate hope and prosperity in the Black community.

The National Black Pro-Life Coalition is shedding light on the low fertility rate of 1.8 that is less than the required 2.1 rate to replace the population. One leader stated, “At this pace, by 2050, the fertility rate will further lower to a 1.3 rate that will be irreversible.”

Learn more about the coalition’s advocacy efforts through educational programs and community events at Black Pro-Life Coalition.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Fred Jones Family Foundation has now opened applications for the 2020 Mary Eddy Jones Signature Gift.

The $75,000 grant was created to award organizations that are at least three years old with a primary focus on arts, culture or landscaping improvements. To apply, organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) based in Oklahoma.

“While many nonprofits in Oklahoma have endured unforeseen circumstances due to the pandemic, our family is honored now more than ever to provide support to a local nonprofit striving to keep central Oklahoma beautiful,” Fred Jones Family Foundation Chairman and President Kirk Hall said.

Apply online before July 24.

– Ashley Glass, Jones PR

Amidst all the goodwill of giving, there is always room for a scammer. Keep your eyes peeled and do not take out your wallet just yet. Here is how to spot a fake charity:

1. The charity “promises” to donate to a legitimate charity – No need to use a middleman. Donate directly.

2. Vague descriptions on how the money will be used – Legit charities will be clear about what the money will be used for and how it will get there.

3. It is unclear who controls the money – Make sure there is a clear path for the money to reach the victims.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

The Redbud Classic, Oklahoma City’s esteemed running and cycling tradition, is returning for the 38th weekend on April 4-5, 2020.

The Redbud Classic features 10-, 33- and 45-mile bike tours, a 1-Mile Kids’ Fun Run, the inaugural Woof Walk for which participants can register to walk with their dogs, 5K and 10K timed runs, a 5K Wheelchair Event, a 2-Mile Walk and a 2-Mile Baby Stroller Derby.

This year, proceeds will benefit the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League, a nonprofit that provides athletic programs, leadership skills training and service opportunities to the students and schools involved in its programs.

Register today. 

– Ashley Glass, Jones PR

As the holiday season draws near, many companies look for ways to give back to their communities. Try these ideas with your staff members:

1. Celebrate #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Consider volunteering or donating to a charity in your community.

2.  The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program is a great way to bring Christmas to families in need. Adopt an angel today.

3.  Senior home visits bring joy to many who don’t receive regular visitors. Research which senior homes in your area are open to guests.

4.  Support your local food bank to join the fight against hunger in your community this holiday season.

– Andrew Aston, Jones PR

It is a week into November – are you looking scraggly yet? 

While No-Shave November (or Movember, depending on which set of rules you subscribe to) is always good fun, the cause it backs is much more admirable than your co-worker’s patchy facial hair.  

No-Shave November is all about ditching your razor for 30 days and donating your monthly hair-maintenance expenses in an effort to support cancer prevention, research and education. Formed in the fall of 2009 after an Illinois family’s father died from colon cancer, the family-run organization has raised over $2 million to date for the cause.

– Logan Armstrong, WordWrite