This holiday season, Oklahomans can double the impact of their gift and feed twice as many hungry Oklahomans. Thanks to a generous matching challenge from APMEX.com, the Cresap Family Foundation and Chesapeake Energy Corporation, every gift received from Nov. 15 through Jan. 15 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $600,000, for a total impact of $1.2 million.
“Your support can make a huge difference to families who struggle to keep food on the table during the holiday season,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “Thanks to these generous donors, your holiday gift will go twice as far. Please give the gift of hope to our hungry Oklahoma neighbors.”
The Regional Food Bank typically provides five meals for every dollar donated; however, through this match, a $1 donation will now provide the equivalent of 10 meals for hungry Oklahomans.
“Giving back and supporting our community is not only important to me and my family but is a core value for all of us who are a part of the APMEX team,” said Scott Thomas, president of precious metals e-commerce company APMEX.com. “We are fortunate to be able to help out and are honored to continue to partner with such a meaningful organization, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, to help provide food and resources to those who need it the most during this holiday season.”
Donations raised through the Holiday Match will provide food for Oklahomans in 53 central and western counties. In Kay County, the Regional Food Bank partners with 13 agencies year-round to fight hunger. Agencies include: Agape Church of Christ, Associated Charities, Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Friendship Feast, House of Prayer of Blackwell, Marland Childrens Home, McCord Senior Citizens Center, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Opportunity Center, Peachtree Landing, Salvation Army – Ponca City and The Mission.
Statewide, one in six Oklahomans has inconsistent access to food. The Regional Food Bank provides enough food to feed 126,000 Oklahomans every week, yet it is not enough. According to the Hunger in Oklahoma Report, 72 percent of clients have had to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities.
“I am on a fixed income,” shared Louise, who visits a partner agency of the Regional Food Bank. “I draw social security, a very small check. My electric bills are eating me alive. Winter is worse than summer. I have rheumatoid arthritis and it hurts to be cold.”
Together, we can make the holidays a little brighter for families struggling to keep food on their table. To make a tax-deductible donation to the Regional Food Bank, call 405-600-3136 or visit regionalfoodbank.org. Donations may also be mailed to:
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Holiday Match
P.O. Box 270968
Oklahoma City, OK, 73137-0968
Established in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the largest private, domestic hunger-relief organization in the state of Oklahoma. Last fiscal year, the nonprofit distributed 52 million pounds of food and products through a network of more than 1,300 schools and charitable feeding programs in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties.
