Norman Group To Host Free Mutual Aid Fair For Community

Red Dirt Collective is about getting resources to those in need in the Norman community.

“There’s a lot of people here in town who have to choose between eating, being housed, or getting medicine,” said Caleb Creed, with Red Dirt Collective.

The movement was started four years ago by Caleb and Ashley Creed.

“We’ve been in the community for a while, and we have members who are suffering from these problems,” said Caleb.

They started a community garden and set up food pantries in needed areas.

“Fifteen pantries in town and all of those are take what you need and leave what you can,” said Ashley.

“There’s a lot of people out there that go hungry every day,” said Mark McAuley, who gets food from one of the pantries.

McAuley at times was homeless, now he lives in the apartment complex with one of the pantries.

“I see a lot of people come and go from there and this group is just helping so many people,” said McAuley.

Another way they are helping is with the mutual fair that they host four times a year.

“We’re able to give out groceries and clothing and health and hygiene products, cleaning supplies,” said Ashley.

There’s also bike repairs, haircuts, and many other free to attendees and made possible through volunteers and donations.

“St. Francis comes out and gives out pet food and other pet resources, and then Little Red Wagon has tons of books and games for kids,” said Ashley.

There will also be rock painting and face painting, and lots of food to eat.

Everything is free and even available for volunteers.

“I think it feels great to be a part of a community that takes care of each other,” said Caleb.  

The mutual fair is Saturday, August 19th, at the Irving Center 125 Vicksburg, in Norman, from 12-3 p.m., it is free to attend and open to anyone.

To support, donate or for more information visit www.reddirtcollective.org