OKLAHOMA CITY — More than 200 youths in the custody of the state Office of Juvenile Affairs were remembered by Santa Claus this year.
OJA staff members collaborated with the Santa Claus Commission to make sure all 210 of the youths in custody received gifts.
The minors spent Christmas in the 10 group homes and one specialized community home across the state that have contracts with OJA and the agency’s secure-care treatment facility, Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center in Tecumseh.
OJA staff wrapped gifts for the youths and delivered them. The gifts were purchased with funds provided by the Santa Claus Commission, which was formed in 1937. The commission is managed by OJA and is responsible for the purchase and distribution of gifts in accordance with state statutes. Public funds are not used to purchase gifts.
The commission operates from private donations and collects interest from the dollars available in the Santa Claus Commission Fund.
“Youths in OJA custody are completing treatment and rehabilitation away from their families and homes,” OJA Executive Director Rachel Holt said.
“During the holiday season, it is important for us to remember that they are still children and let them feel supported with a holiday gift. I tell the youth that if they are successful in their program, this can be the last holiday in their lifetime that they are away from home. This is a powerful reminder of the work our OJA staff and contracted staff do every day to change the future for justice-involved youths.”
All of the children received a backpack, coloring book, composition book, photobook, a candy bar, lip balm, a pair of fuzzy socks and body wash.
OJA youth in group homes also received a pack of colored pencils and a gift card. Oklahoma’s Credit Union again this year donated the activation cost for all of the cards.
Youths at the Tecumseh center received funds applied to their canteen account, an individually directed fund that allows them to purchase facility-approved items such as candy, soft drinks and hygiene products. Instead of colored pencils, juveniles in secure care received an additional candy bar.
Oklahoma’s Credit Union waived the usual processing fee for the gift cards.
“We understand the importance of supporting Oklahoma kids and applaud the Office of Juvenile Affairs for making this positive impact through the Santa Claus Commission,” said Oklahoma’s Credit Union Chief Experience Officer Jennifer Lown.