Businesses support foster families for the holidays

RED OAK – Red Oak area businesses partnered with Red Oak Independent School District’s Community and Family Services to bring extra joy to dozens of district students currently in foster care, and the families providing that care.

The first-ever Holiday Festival held Dec. 17 was aimed to give ROISD foster parents and students a night of games, gifts, food, and fun.

“The support has been overwhelming for our first event. We had dozens of businesses, organizations and individuals providing funds, toys, gifts, games, in-kind food and more,” stated Donna Knight, ROISD Community & Family Services Coordinator. “We were able to provide each district foster student with a tablet engraved with their name, a backpack, and a sweatshirt, plus we had extra blankets, beanies, and gloves for the winter.”

The Red Oak Area Chamber of Commerce coordinated the business fundraising with two matching companies – Access Self Storage and Freedom Heating and Air – providing the funds for the tablets. Four thousand dollars was collected over the past two months, and the ROISD Police Department engraved them for free.

“After speaking with district staff, the tablets can be a huge benefit for students now as they complete homework, plus they are very portable for the students to take to college,” said Clint Woodward, President of the Red Oak Area Chamber. “We really wanted to support students directly, and with Donna starting this program this year it was a perfect match.”

Several student groups, district employees and volunteers were on hand to help facilitate the night’s activities including games and a secret shopping area.

Parents were able to select a gift for each student that was wrapped on-site by members of The Oaks Church. ROHS Student Council, FFA and HOSA students helped younger children make elf snacks, reindeer food, ornaments, and write letters to Santa. Theatre and art students painted faces, while a balloon artist made amazing animals and space lasers! Chick-fil-A provided meals for all guests, while Whataburger hosted cookie decorating and games, and members of the Red Oak and Glenn Heights Fire Departments greeted families.

Grateful families departed with backpacks overflowing, wrapped gifts for Christmas morning, and the blessings of a community supporting them.