Tulsa's Whitman Elementary Shows Appreciation For Help From Businesses

Hundreds of Tulsa elementary school kids are getting a helping hand from a group of local businesses.

Students at Walt Whitman Elementary said thank you Friday morning to seven businesses who have volunteered their time and talent. Even organizers admit that many businesses volunteering together is pretty rare.

More than 400 kids go to Walt Whitman Elementary School. On Friday, they were part of a special celebration to honor those who help the kids with some things that sometimes fall through the cracks.

"I can't get enough help. There is always something that we need," said Elaine Buxton.

Buxton has been Principal at Walt Whitman for three years.

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"Very big moment for us, very big moment for us," Buxton said.

Seven businesses were recognized for their volunteer effort at the school: Agape Bible Fellowship, Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic, Daughters of Isis, la Madeleine, Laredo Petroleum, Oklahoma Center For Empowerment, and the Osage Casino.

"They give services, they give gifts, they give time—that's the most requested thing that the schools need," said Kurma Brown, of the Tulsa Regional Chamber.

The Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce says its Partners in Education program covers all 74 schools in the Tulsa District.

It helps match businesses or non-profits with schools' and students' needs.

Buxton said one of her goals is a 95 percent attendance rate. From new coats to mentoring, she said that couldn't happen without the help provided by these business partners.

"If it wasn't for some of those adopters, we could not take care of the whole child here," Buxton said.

She said the program helps keep the kids excited about school and she's thankful for all of the volunteers, who choose to come here with their valuable time.

"We have a lot of people that come in and just listen to our kids read, and read with our students and ask them questions. It's just those types of things that helps the teachers throughout the day," Buxton said.

Learn more about the Partners In Education program.