Empowering Putnam City Schools Families: Hundreds Gather for Essential Food and Supplies

Kids are climbing into a firetruck from the Warr Acres Fire Department, with lively Tejano and pop music playing in the background. Parents gather around tables to discover services from local public libraries, support groups, lunch programs, and affordable housing options. They’re also receiving tote bags filled with diapers, toys, and useful flyers.

This vibrant scene took place at the Communities and Schools Together (CAST) Resource Rally, organized by the Putnam City Schools Foundation, Feed the Children, and the National Basketball Players Association Foundation. About 400 families benefited from the event, receiving enough food for 20 meals, hygiene products, and resources from 20 community partners.

Joy Murphy, the executive director of the Putnam City Schools Foundation, highlighted the continuing need for support, especially during summer when kids miss out on school-provided meals. "A lot of resources go unnoticed during the school year, but in June and July, families really rely on these services," she said.

Statistics show that over 15% of Oklahoma City residents live below the poverty line, with women of child-bearing age being the largest affected group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Murphy noted, "We are one of Oklahoma’s largest school districts, so moments like these are essential."

Within the district’s 42 square miles, 27 schools serve around 19,000 students. To assist non-English speakers, project managers Jorge Alvarado and Ozzy Herrera offered their bilingual skills during the event. Additionally, Feed the Children set up a drive-through pick-up line staffed by 30 volunteers, as stated by Chet Jones, director of corporate partnerships for the organization.

Feed the Children has a strong history, nearly reaching 50 years of helping to alleviate childhood hunger. In 2024, the organization distributed over 80 million pounds of food and resources globally.

Catherine White, a corporate partnerships manager for Feed the Children, emphasized the summer’s challenges, saying, "Summer is the hungriest time of the year. Many kids lose access to regular meals during this break. Our goal is to help fill that gap."

The Putnam City Schools Foundation holds this event annually in June and plans to continue this tradition next year. Murphy expressed gratitude for the initiative, calling it a "wonderful opportunity for our families to receive supplies with dignity."

In today’s world, community events like these are invaluable. As local needs evolve, so do the efforts to address them. Events that bring families together not only offer essential resources but also foster a sense of community.

For more information about the ongoing work of the Putnam City Schools Foundation, visit their website here.

This rally is about more than just resources; it’s about building a stronger community for everyone involved.

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