Tulsa Churches Share Christmas Spirit

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Thousands of Tulsa-area kids have a big reason to smile.  Some area churches spent Saturday afternoon giving away new toys to needy families in Tulsa.

Some of the parents told The News On 6 they've never had to accept donations before, but if it wasn't for churches giving back this year, many families say they couldn't celebrate Christmas.

They started lining up before sunrise.  More than 2,500 people were there, all trying to bring Christmas cheer to their kids, but they needed help.

"I'm on disability, and we struggle to make it month to month," said David Harper.

Harper is a father of two and he takes home $400 a month.

"I live off less than most people make in a week.  And, my wife's in school.  Both our kids are in school, and we just struggle to make it with what we got. So, every little bit that we can get to help, helps," said David Harper.

Victory Christian Center members donated new, wrapped gifts.  And, the families in need received a bag of groceries with a Christmas ham.

"I don't really have anything. I'm a single mom, so I don't have too much of nothing sitting out under the tree," said Tulsan Denise Green.  "To be able to come out and do for you, it means more than a lot."

At the Tulsa Convention Center, hundreds more parents picked up free toys, courtesy of Grace Church.

Mecolle Washington says bills and utilities have gone up, and making sure there's enough under the tree is tough.

"This is my first time ever doing something like this, and it's really a blessing to be able to come out and know that these people are here to help me," said Tulsan Mecolle Washington.

And, those helping say that's what Christmas is all about.

"It's about giving out, out to others that maybe don't have as much as you have," said church volunteer Susan Brown.

Christmas is five days away, but there's still time to make a difference.  Victory Christian says extra toys and last-minute donations will be accepted during the week.