Christmas Connection Makes Christmas Possible for Thousands

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With Christmas right around the corner, many families are trying to make ends meet but putting gifts under the tree can be a struggle for some families.

That's what brought Charles Rogers to the Christmas Connection's Shopping Week. Rogers recently got out of a hospital with news that he's seriously sick. Still, nothing is stopping this parent from making sure his children have a great Christmas.

"It's a blessing. It's a help I'm not working right now. I'm on limited income so every little bit helps," Rogers said.

Rogers is a single dad with five kids ranging from 10 to 18-years-old.

"My 18-year-old, she's at Langston, her first year at Langston. She's got a scholarship to go to law school," Rogers said.

Rogers' children lost their mother five years ago, and since then he's been on his own taking care of the loves of his life. With Christmas not too far away, he's shopping for everything from clothes, toys and everyday necessities for his family.

"My kids they know I don't have much, and we make do with what we have, and they don't fuss or rave about it, you know. They know one day it's going to be good. That's why I'm going to school, and I know it will be better," Rogers said.

With the tough economy, the Christmas Connection is seeing more people in need than ever.

"The joy that shoppers have when they're receiving, it's just amazing because you can truly say when you talk to them what a difference it's making," said Valerie Finley, Christmas Connection executive director.

Meanwhile Rogers is hoping and praying a degree will help him get back into the job market and give a much better life to his family.

"One day I'll be able to give back, you know. That's the key part never forgetting who helped you and where you come from, and when you make it, be able to give back and help somebody else. That's the way I live," Rogers said.

The Christmas Connection serves over 7,000 families across Oklahoma County. This week alone they'll be making Christmas possible for 3,000 children across the Metro.

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