Sunbeam Family Services, Spreading Christmas Cheer For Grand Families

Well, it’s November, and there's no sense putting off that Christmas shopping any longer, after all, there are grandkids out here that have needs for Christmas.

“So, what we are doing here today at Walmart, is we are shopping for grand-families,” said Angie Doss, with Sunbeam Family Services.

It’s year twenty-three for Sunbeam's Grandparents Raising Grandparents shopping event.

“We have volunteers from Triad, Oklahoma City police department, Oklahoma County Sheriff's department, we have OG&E, and we Homes by Taber,” said Doss.

“Right now, we’re looking at helping about one hundred and ninety-two families, and about four hundred and nineteen children, and that could grow, as we go through this,” said Oklahoma City Police Chief Wade Gourley.

“No one wants to cut anyone off, but we try and go ahead and help those children that still need it too. I can always turn to my police family, and they show up in droves and they’re just so amazing,” said Sheryl Presley, with the Oklahoma City Police Department.  

Through their Taber Cares initiative, Taber Homes employees came ready to shop. “It’s great, it’s so much fun, it’s a really good way to just sort of kick off the holiday season,” said Ashli Swaim with Homes by Taber.

Shoppers, armed with the family wish list, hit the isles in search of that special Christmas gift. “We know what these kids want so that the money that is donated to this program, and we get to fulfill their Christmas wish list, so it’s very exciting,” said Chief Gourley.

Equally exciting for the volunteers is a day out of the office, to help Oklahoma kids. “So, getting out of the office is amazing and to be able to do it with these amazing volunteers that have donated their money to help support these families we feel so fortunate to be able to be here,” said Lindsay Liard with OG&E.

In the big picture, they are making the holidays less stressful for grandparents who are raising grandchildren. “It’s so much fun, we get to shop for these kids, and you know hopefully get all the things on their wish list for them,” said Swaim.

“It’s just a day full of joy, and fun and celebrating grand families,” said Doss.

For more information about Sunbeam and its Grand-Families program, visit their website www.sunbeamfamilyservices.org