Family Services Organization Provides School Supplies For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

More than 500 children raised by their grandparents are receiving backpacks full of school supplies, according to Sunbeam Family Services.

Volunteers from Sunbeam and local law enforcement agencies helped color code backpacks and organize school supplies ahead of the event scheduled for Saturday.

“We like to give them a choice," Oklahoma City Police Department volunteer Sheryl Presley said. "They get to come in and pick the color they want because it makes them feel like it’s not someone handing them something, but the kids actually get a say.”

This distribution celebration has been around for several years, and only serves more families through time. 

"When you're in the stage of life of being a grandparent then taking on the responsibility of raising your children, finances are tough," Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office volunteer Tara Hardin said. "Money can be spread thin so we want to ease that burden."

One Oklahoma City metro woman, Valerie Taylor, said she is raising her two teenage grandchildren and, and the donated supplies free up her budget for extra back to school items.

Taylor said Sunbeam’s program for herself and other grandparents has been a blessing. 

“I don't know what I would do without it," Taylor said. "I would feel like an island in the middle of the ocean. Sunbeam makes connections, they build bridges and bring people to the table.”

While registration is closed for Saturday's event, families not registered can reach out to Sunbeam for assistance and to get involved. 

For more information, click here.