Food donations needed to help during the holidays
Sep. 21—Southeastern Oklahoma Social Services is requesting holiday dinner food items to help local organizations provide for families with food insecurities.
Office Manager Jennifer Mullins points out one out of five people are food insecure in Oklahoma and one out of four are food insecure in Pittsburg County.
There are three food banks that SOSS give assistance to: Twin Cities Christian Outreach in Hartshorne, St. Jude's Catholic Charities in McAlester, and All Saints Episcopal Church's John 6:13 Food Pantry in McAlester.
Many people of McAlester are aware of the growing concerns of poverty and homelessness.
Mullins said there's a stigma with poverty among the McAlester community and she wants to point out that not everyone living in poverty are lazy people. Some people work multiple jobs and still struggle. "Senior citizens on fixed incomes are making decisions to either pay for medicine or groceries," said Mullins.
Mullins, who has looked for answers and helped people with a variety of struggles, says McAlester is lacking in housing that's based on income. The new apartments are great, but the people looking for a roof over their heads can't afford the rent.
She emphasizes that the most important priority for someone is a home. That's the foundation of their needs.
On the bright side, Mullins has seen a lot of community awareness in the past five years. People and organizations are willing to give assistance with food, utility payments, and medical needs.
Even though SOSS is a facility for outpatient mental health and substance abuse, they do much more. During the months of September through December, they ask the community to donate food items for traditional holiday dinners. In July and August, they ask for sock and underwear donations. And from January to June, each month they announce a single food item such as macaroni and cheese or ramen. They give these items to the three previously mentioned food banks as well as others.
Mullins says they work with Humanity918 which also helps the homeless population and gives hands-on, detailed assistance for those in unfortunate circumstances.
Mike's House provides groceries, clothes, and furniture at extremely low prices. They also keep up with local businesses who are hiring to help their customers who are unemployed as well.
To drop off donations to SOSS, go to their office at 512 E. Chickasaw Ave. in McAlester. Find their Facebook page for month-to-month updates. And, if anyone is in need of assistance may call the office at 918-302-0389.
