Newsroom

12 Days of Giving: Sometimes the Greatest Gift is to Help Others

Dec. 11, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY – Tis' the season of giving, and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma needs help more than ever to meet increased demand for food this winter. While the non-profit reports a 22 percent increase in distribution, it is also experiencing a 17 percent decrease in financial donations.

"The number of people seeking food assistance is greater now than any other time in the history of the Regional Food Bank," said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank. "In fact, our partner agencies are reporting an increase in need as high as 50 percent."

The Regional Food Bank is turning to Oklahomans to help feed their hungry neighbors in need this holiday season. Here are 12 ways to give that are sure to spread cheer:

1. Make a donation. Instead of gifts this year, consider making a donation in someone's honor. The Regional Food Bank returns 7 meals to the community for every dollar donated. Through December 31, Chesapeake Energy will match each gift to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000!
2. Volunteer. Whether it's sorting food donations or packing Food 4 Kids sacks, the Regional Food Bank could not serve the community without volunteers. Call 405.600.3154 to volunteer today.
3. Advocate. Visit the advocacy page to send a note to local representatives and let them know that hunger is an important legislative issue.
4. Start fundraising online. Set up your own personal fundraising page online at feedoklahoma.org and ask friends and family to donate.
5. Fill a backpack. One in five children in Oklahoma struggles with hunger every day. A $200 donation provides a backpack of food every weekend throughout the school year for one child through the Regional Food Bank's Food 4 Kids program.
6. Become a Partner in Hope. Partners in Hope provide the Regional Food Bank with a sustainable funding source by making a 5 year giving commitment. Learn more at regionalfoodbank.org/donate.
7. Collect canned goods. Food drives help the Regional Food Bank meet the needs of people in the community and can provide a greater diversity of foods. You can find a complete list of most needed items here.
8. Help a child in need. Donate your time, your resources, or a list of needed items to a Kids Cafe after school program. To learn more, call 405.604.7102.
9. Fight Senior Hunger. Oklahoma is ranked as the 10th worst state in the nation for senior hunger. Learn how you can help by calling 405.600.3153.
10. Get connected. Follow @rfbo on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
11. Financial Planning. Planned giving allows donors to make charitable gifts while enjoying financial benefits. Learn more here.
12. Synch up calendar for social good. The Regional Food Bank partners with hundreds of local businesses and organizations to help fight hunger in Oklahoma. Check out the up-to-date calendar at regionalfoodbank.org to find how to get involved and help fight hunger!

Half a million Oklahomans struggle with hunger every day. In fact, Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the nation – ranking sixth in food insecurity. During fiscal year 2009, the Regional Food Bank distributed over 28.5 million pounds of food and products to hungry Oklahomans in 53 central and western counties. Since its inception in 1980, the Regional Food Bank has distributed 321 million pounds of food and product.

For more information about the Regional Food Bank, or to make a donation, please call 405.972.1111.