Six Olney nonprofits raise funds in Sept. 7 Texoma Gives event
Six Olney nonprofits are participating this year in the Sept. 7 Texoma Gives online fundraiser this year, hoping to fund new projects and programs in 2024. They are: Keep Olney Beautiful, Olney Volunteer Fire Department, House of Mercy Enterprises, Young County Olney Senior Center, Olney Education Foundation, and The Refuge Olney Christian Community Center. Last week, the Enterprise profiled the Senior Cub Center and House of Mercy Enterprises last week. This week we take a look at the wish lists for the City’s remaining nonprofits.
Keep Olney Beautiful hopes to raise money to complete a new municipal swimming pool at Tom Griffin Park, and to refresh the banners along Main Street among other projects, the group said. Over the years, KOB volunteers have beautified the town with new banners, decorative lighting, and plantings and by building new Olney entrance signs on the east and west ends of town. KOB’s big ticket item this year is completing its renovation of Tom Griffin Park with the addition of a new municipal swimming pool. The first phase of the renovation, included a new playground structure, swing set, benches, grills, and shades throughout the park area, and new basketball goals for the basketball court. By this time next year, KOB wants Olneyites to be swimming in the new pool at Tom Griffin Park.
OVFD: The 29 members of the Olney Volunteer Fire Department proved their mettle last weekend fighting the Campbell Fire in 100-plus degree temperatures. OVFD, established in 1912, serves the community by working car accidents, structure fires, grass fires, storm watching, assisting Olney EMS and Police Department, and various other incidences. The members also donate their time by participating in community events such as school send-offs, parades, and National Night Out. One of OVFD’s annual events provides assistance to families during the Christmas season. The department needs monetary donations to help maintain its vehicles and equipment. Your support would help these volunteers to continue their service to our proud community.
Olney Education Foundation: The OEF was formed in 2014 to support Olney students as they launch from elementary school through the first two years of college. The old Olney Elementary School slide became the symbolic image of the group’s first fundraising letter in December 2014. Why? “Because most students who ever attended schools in the Olney Independent School District have gone down that BIG slide. Some reached the very top and needed a gentle push to begin their fast descent. … all they really needed was another chance to prove they could succeed,” the group said.
OES offers financial aid and a new mentoring program designed to help Olney students adjust to college. The Foundation helped students with scholarships, ACT testing, college/vocational application assistance, aid with dual credit classes, and even help with college move-in expenses. The Foundation urges donors to make tax-deductible donations on Sept. 7 “because our kids really are our FOUNDATION!”
Texoma Gives is an area-wide day of giving, designed to bring the region together on one day to raise money and awareness for Texoma nonprofits. The initiative provides an online location to find and support nonprofit organizations whose missions align with donors’ passions. Make donations at TexomaGives.com starting at 12 a.m. on Sept. 7.