As Oklahoma’s children get ready to return to school soon, many come from families facing significant challenges putting food on the table. Food insecurity for children in Oklahoma is one of the worst in the nation.
But organizations like the two nonprofit Et Cetera Shop thrift stores, in Weatherford, are determined to do their part to change that. The Et Cetera Shop stores sell donated clothing, household items, home furniture, holiday items, bedding, large appliances and books, and they use the proceeds to support other local nonprofit organizations.
“About 10 years ago, at one of our board meetings, we were talking about where we could invest our profits in the community,” says Krisha, who manages the two stores. “Someone brought up a Bible verse about helping widows, orphans and our neighbors. So, we started researching some of our local organizations that help people in need.”
They started hearing heartbreaking stories about children who don’t have food and quickly determined they would do whatever they could for local children.
“That’s how we discovered the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Backpack Program for school kids in the area. We love children, so it seemed like a win-win to help the kids this way.”
The Regional Food Bank delivers preassembled food sacks to participating schools at no cost to the school or the child. The food sacks contain approximately 10 different purchased foods designed to provide nutrition and calories for chronically hungry children over the weekend.
“We started by donating money directly to the schools,” Krisha says. “But when we found out about the Regional Food Bank’s matching program, we got involved with that and increased our giving so we could help even more kids.”
The Et Cetera Shop stores designate the checks they send to go to five schools in the area, including Cordell Public Schools, Clinton Public Schools, Hydro-Eakly Public Schools, Thomas-Fay-Custer Unified Schools and Weatherford Public Schools.
“We’re just honored to bless so many children,” Krisha says. “And we’re glad to partner with an organization like the Regional Food Bank that helps so many people. We couldn’t help this many kids on our own, so knowing that we can support the Regional Food Bank’s mission to end childhood hunger, that’s what we’re all here for. It’s a wonderful thing.”
We’re grateful for the partnership we have with Krisha and the Et Cetera Shop thrift stores in Weatherford, as together we work to help Oklahoma children.
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