Family committed to providing Christmas bags to Oklahoma veterans
Every year, they make sure that veterans are gifted with items they may need around Christmas.
Every year, they make sure that veterans are gifted with items they may need around Christmas.
Every year, they make sure that veterans are gifted with items they may need around Christmas.
Jessie Newell and her daughter Emerson have a passion for helping veterans.
Every year, they make sure that veterans are gifted with items they may need around Christmas. Over the years, the mission has grown.
Oklahomans have shown up in a great way by donating small items that have a big impact on the veterans who receive them. Now, Jessie’s daughter is helping expand their work.
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“It started in my house and then my sorority sister really pushed it,” said Emerson.
The mission was taken all the way to Oklahoma State University’s higher-ups.
“She really pushed it and started calling President Shrum,” Emerson said.
President Kaysey Shrum answered the call and spoke with KOCO 5 this week as the school announced assistance for veterans on campus.
>> More on this: OSU unveils ‘Veterans Success Center’ inside campus student union
“Announcing the opening of our Veterans Success Center here in the student union, as well as our Cowboys For Veterans gift drive. We are collecting gifts across campus for veterans who are in homes and hospice care across the state just as a small way to honor and recognize their service to our country,” Shrum said.
No veteran has been forgotten. There are 1,500 bags and seven Veterans Affairs living centers in Oklahoma.
Everyday necessities such as razors, shampoo, conditioner and pajamas are in the bags, as well as calendars or little items for fun.
The family hopes that this gesture will bring happiness during the holiday season.
“Some vets just don’t have any family or anyone to visit them, so it's just a really good way to make sure they know they are remembered. I just want to thank Oklahoma for donating and of course the university and everybody here,” Emerson said.