Is there anything more fun than watching a young child s light up at the sight of a Christmas present picked just for them? It s especially rewarding when that child has a disability, and the person who got the gift went to special trouble to make sure the gift is perfect.
When buying Christmas presents for the annual Oklahomans for Independent Living party for children, staff members Keep in mind what the child s disability is and if it s age appropriate, Leanna Amos, OIL service management specialist, said. Amos also said that all children with disabilities, even if they re not old enough to be in school and have an IEP, are welcome to attend the Christmas party The party will be held Saturday at 1 p.m.
at the McAlester High School, just east of the Warren Clinic. But first, people must call 426-6220 to register so organizers will know how many presents to buy. The sooner the better, Amost said, adding that the absolute deadline to register is 5 p.m. Thursday. The only requirement is that the disabled child is 15 or younger. Any siblings who are under 15 will receive presents during the party, too. Everyone who shows up will get to share in a meal.
We provide a full Christmas meal with turkey and ham and all the trimmings, Amos said. All we ask is for those attending to bring a store bought cake or pie. Anyone who would like to donate to the program, which Amos calls a huge undertaking because there were about 240 people in attendance last year, can bring a gift worth approximately $15 to OIL, 601 E. Carl Albert Pkwy., before 5 p.m. Thursday. For more information call 426-6220.