Norman Christmas Program Need Help Gift Giving

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- "They Need a Little Christmas" is a program in Norman that makes the holidays brighter for families in need. But this year, the program needs a little more help than usual.

Most children enjoy a Christmas that's right out of Norman Rockwell—most, but not all.

At Norman's Community Action Agency, Rebecca Craig has a list of 92 families that need a little Christmas for children.

"A family of two and all they asked for was shoes," said Rebecca Craig.

While others ask for things like jewelry, Hannah Montana items, Thomas the Train and a football.

Fortunately there are willing donors. Jane Barrett with the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Board delivered a van full of gifts to the agency this afternoon.

"I got a list of 19 children from ten different families and went out, started at 9 a.m. this morning and finished shopping. So it represents, I hope, a lot of happiness," said Barrett.

Kappa Kappa Gamma isn't the only Santa Claus this year. The local Office Max Call Center has pitched in, adopting 26 families.

Even with such generosity and with individual donations, the "They Need a Little Christmas" program is still lacking gifts for some 40 families. With Christmas barely two weeks away, the number of families seeking assistance is 50 percent higher this year.

"The demographic of the people that we've seen this year in total is different. People who have never had to ask for help before. They don't know where to start," Craig said.

"My heart goes out to these people. In fact, just coming off of Thanksgiving, I thought how fortunate I am, you know, how fortunate is my family. In this day and time it's better to keep things local I think," Barrett said.

A few more willing donors, and everyone will have a merry Christmas, but time is running out.

If you'd like to help "They Need a Little Christmas," call the Community Action Agency at 405-447-0832.