OKC Thunder Transforms Classroom At The Urban League Of Greater Oklahoma City

The playoffs are over for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that means one thing: it’s time for some community service.

“Urban League has been a great partner of ours for a number of years, the teachers are really phenomenal, and the kids are really eager to learn,” said Erin Oldfield with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One of The Urban League’s initiatives is to offer after-school and summer classes as well as tutoring programs for kids in northeast Oklahoma City.

However, there was one problem, at least from the Thunder’s perspective. “But we couldn’t help but notice that this space has needed a little bit of love,” said Oldfield.

After seeing the kids and the work being done in the room, the Thunder organization made the call.

“Can we come out and do some work on it? And of course, we didn’t say no,” said Dr. Valerie Thompson, President and CEO of The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City.

Arrangements were made for the room to be temporarily closed and the Thunder went to work, forbidding any Urban League employees from seeing the work being done.

“We had to shut down the classroom, they closed the doors, and they said Ms. Dee you can’t peak, you know we are going to surprise you,” said Director of Education and Family Development with the Urban League Dee Liggins.

Of course, there were gentle reminders not to go in the room throughout the five-week renovations.

“Dee, are you sure you’re not peaking? I’m not peaking. I’m telling you it took a lot,” said Liggins.

But finally, the much-anticipated day arrived, and the excitement can be felt. “This is our new Thunder Wonder room, thanks to the Oklahoma City Thunder,” said Thompson.

The transformation was worth the wait. “This room is beautiful now, it has great paint on the walls, new furniture, new things for the kids to explore and learn,” said Thompson.

“We had a surprise today and it was this wonder room and I love it,” said student Dylann.

Creating an environment of possibilities. “We hope that this space becomes a place where kids can dream big and think of endless possibilities because that starts at a young age,” said Oldfield.

“Thank you, Oklahoma City Thunder,” said student Chance.