El Reno Community Comes Together For One Of Their Own In Need

In some cases communities aren't just defined by boundaries, but instead the actions of those who live there. For El Reno, citizens take pride in how they care for others. This time, it's one of their own that is in need.

Thursday, July 17th 2014, 6:56 pm

By: News 9


In some cases communities aren't just defined by boundaries, but instead the actions of those who live there. For El Reno, citizens take pride in how they care for others. This time, it's one of their own that is in need.

If just simply caring is the first requirement to be a school counselor then Kara Watts is likely overqualified.

"I think the most rewarding is that when they walk through that door they know someone will take care of them," said Rose Witcher Elementary counselor, Kara Watts.

Watts has been the counselor for El Reno's Rose Witcher elementary for seven years, working alongside principal and friend Julie Huber.

Huber has watched this counselor to hundreds make each student feel like she's a counselor to one.

Watts collected gifts for students at Christmas and even used her connections to provide students with running water at home. But in April, the mother of three and El Reno native, who's given her heart to so many others, learned she hasn't left enough for herself.

"One of the kindest, most caring and giving hearts I know, and now she needs one," said Huber.

Watts is in stage 4 heart failure and is on the waiting list for a new heart.

"It's so hard and it's so awkward because normally I’m on the other end," said Watts.

So while Watts continues treatment, friends and former students have been busy back home raising money for her care. Last weekend there was a tiny, student-ran lemonade stand.

"My sweet babies, and when it was all said and done and they had the grand total we were all blown away," said Watts.

Those babies raised over $1,200.

"I would like to say a lot of it is done out of love, but I think a lot of it's done as a thank you," said Huber.

Those thank you’s for Watts continue. Next is a city wide garage sale to help Kara get back to caring for her sweet babies.

"It takes a village right now, and thankfully I live in the best one," said Watts.

Below are the details of the upcoming fundraisers for Kara:

Garage Sale – Sat. July 19th 8 a.m. - dark. 811 Amity Ln. El Reno, OK

Bake Sale – Sat. 6 p.m. -9 p.m. - Blu99 During El Reno Block Party

Heart & Sold Dinner and Auction at Festivities - Aug. 8th - 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Tickets on sale at Blu99

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