Generous Oklahomans Bring Christmas to Needy Children

By MelissaMaynarichh, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There may be more children without presents this Christmas if not for a group of caring Oklahomans. Donators to the Putnam City Care Share organization are making a difference in hundreds of young lives this year.

A new bicycle is one of the most memorable gifts throughout childhood. That's why a group of hair stylists have gotten together to buy two bikes for a brother and sister this season.

"Waking up on Christmas morning and knowing the reaction these kids are going to have, the difference that we've made in their lives. That's Christmas for me. That's everything for me," said Ed Londagin, with Ed Londagin Salon.

The salon has adopted the family to shop for through Putnam City Care Share, an organization that runs throughout the year helping children in need.

The program was started 27 years ago by a woman named Penny Poe.

"I saw children in the dead of winter without socks. And then as I began to talk to my children, I found out I had children living in cars with their families, and it was just kind of a secret. People really weren't aware because this was Putnam City Schools," Poe said.

After her bills were paid, the school counselor used the rest of her money to buy shoes and clothes for children in need.

"It means children are given dignity. Children know that somebody cares, that there is really ultimately more goodness in this world than hurt. And it helps children to hold on to their hopes, and none of us are poor until we've lost our dignity," Poe said.

From there, the organization grew to a charity much larger than Poe herself gaining attention in the local media because of the overwhelming generosity of Oklahomans who wanted to make a difference.

"This is an example, she said, 'The night I had to tell my daughter that her father had died, three minutes later the doorbell went and there were students from PC schools that were delivering Christmas.' Somebody cared. Somebody cushioned," Poe said.

This year for Christmas, the group is caring for 400 families, which is about 1,400 children to buy presents for. But the Oklahomans who are giving the presents are finding out, they're receiving a lot more in return.

If you'd like to help with Putnam City Care Share call 405-943-7280.