Oklahoma Together: Metro Charity Begins Holiday Backpack Donation Drive To Help Meet Need

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many wallets hard and, knowing that, the Operation Christmas Train Set Foundation has already begun collecting donations for backpacks to those who otherwise would go without this holiday with the “Complete Christmas In A Backpack Program.” 

The group was taking donations from shoppers at Fort Thunder Harley-Davidson Saturday in Moore.

“It’s just nice to be able to put something in their hands that they can give to their kids that’s in the way of toys or basic necessities,” Operation Christmas Train Set Foundation Executive Director Dustin Fischer said. “(It’s) like a giant stocking for kids.” 

The need is expected to be great this year amid a global pandemic. Toys, toiletries and warm clothes donations will be gladly accepted. 

“With us, we help people all year round,” Fischer said. “We are on call when people’s houses burn down, when they have situations where they get robbed or stuff like that, when their Christmas presents get robbed.” 

Around 10 backpacks were filled Saturday thanks to donations. The charity has a goal set of 500. A goal hoped to be met with nearly two dozen drop off locations at business across the metro.  

“If you’re buying a pack of crayons for your child, think about somebody else’s child and pick up a back of crayons for them,” Fischer said. “Because it may make a difference in what they are able to do during the school year or Christmas time.” 

More information on donations and drop off locations can be found on Operation Christmas Train Set Foundation’s website and Facebook page.  

The Operation Christmas Train Set Foundation will be collecting donations for the “Complete Christmas In A Backpack Program” at Earl’s Rib Place located at 10 W. Main Street in Yukon on Sunday, August 30. 

Donations will be collected from 4-7 p.m.