Local Groups Stepping In To Bring Christmas Cheer To Children At Laura Dester

The Laura Dester Children’s Center was scheduled to close last year, but it’s still open.

There are more than 20 children who will spend their Christmas in the shelter if no family takes them in.

It’s not easy to find a home for the children, but some groups are stepping in to bring them a Merry Christmas.

DHS said Laura Dester is serving as a shelter for children from all over the state; but the children there, the state says, are children with special needs - children that are hard to place in homes.

“This is something really that I think all of Tulsa can rally around,” said Amber Day with City Church Community Outreach.

Day has dedicated her life to making sure others feel full in theirs.

“I love to connect people,” she said. “I'm interested in making sure these kids have dignity and know that they are loved.”

For years, her church, City Church in Tulsa, has helped the children at the Laura Dester Children's Center, but this past year was different.

“Honestly disengaged with the idea that they were closing down and thought that there was no longer a need and have been serving in other places,” said Day.

She said the state didn't publicize the shelter was still open like it had in the past with groups like hers and others that had always offered support.

10/22/2016 Related Story: DHS: Laura Dester Won't Close Until All Children Find Foster Homes

Then, she got an email from the shelter asking for help with Christmas presents.

Day said, “When I heard they did not have presents for the 26 kids there, I knew it was a dire situation.”

DHS said it simply can't find homes for the children currently living at the shelter. They're children with developmental disabilities, special medical needs or behavioral disorders.

“It's a different feel out there,” Day said. “It just feels, sad…I think everybody feels less supported. It just has a much heavier feel.”

So, she is using social media to get the word out to make sure the children left behind know people care.

“These might be the first Christmas gifts they get. I get goosebumps even thinking about it,” said Day.

She said she's gotten an overwhelming response from those wanting to help the children for Christmas. Her hope now is that the right families will be watching and willing to foster the special children still there.

You can contact Day at amber@citychurchtulsa.com to find out how to offer support to the children at the Laura Dester Children’s Shelter and other children’s homes in Green Country.

For foster care information, you can find more details here.