It is good to know Watonga can rally to the Oklahoma Standard when the need arises.
Last week, the Tillery home was consumed by a fire. Since then there have been multiple events planned to help them deal with the lasting effects of that fire.
Fortunately, no one – neither family nor firefighters – was injured. The family’s household goods are another matter. A source indicated there was renter’s insurance, but we all know proving a loss can be time consuming and difficult.
That’s where community steps in. We are lifting the family up in prayer, support and fundraising. There is a spaghetti benefit dinner set for 5-7 p.m. April 27 at the high school commons. There will also be a cake auction, so bring your checkbook. This fundraiser is put on by the Masons and the public schools working together.
Another fundraiser, this time an Indian taco meal and dessert, will be held from 4-6 p.m. May 2 at the Watonga Church of the Nazarene. You can get it to eat in or to go. This meal is by donation.
The Oklahoma Standard was first called by that name in the wake of the bombing of the Murrah Building in the city. We all remember where we were and what we were doing on that day 30 years ago.
It might have been a new name, but the idea has been around for a long, long time. It means taking care of your neighbor. It is manifested in taking a casserole to new parents, baking a cake when someone has lost a loved one and mowing the lawn if you know they’ve been in the hospital. We see it in larger ways when someone pays off all the overdue lunch bills at the local school or donates warm coats to the elementary kids. It is in action when a Habitat for Humanity house is built.
It means being the hands and feet of Jesus, even if you call it something different.
So, here’s your chance to help make a difference in the life of someone you probably know, see at the grocery store, post office or library. It’s an opportunity to do unto others.
It would be remiss to have this discussion without including corporate neighbors.
Last week, Bank7 stepped up and dropped a check for $20,000 on the desk of Geary Superintendent Sean Buchanan to use toward the rebuilding of the fire damaged parts of the high school. The local staff of the bank had suggested a smaller amount, but the folks at the big office in the city said, nah, we’re in for $20K. Very nice.
Then there is the single anonymous donor who has made a donation to the Calumet Schools for $6 million. You read that right, $6 million. Like Steve Austin kind of donation there. (Look it up if you are younger than 40 or so.)
Those are huge amounts, out of reach for most of us. But we can all do what we can do, even if that means turning up at a fundraiser to help serve plates. We all have that chance. Seize it.