40 years at Methodist Mission

The Checotah Methodist Mission recently honored Denise Leonard for volunteering for over 40 years at the mission. They celebrated by having a nice dinner and an album was made of several pictures and newspaper articles over the years.

“I guess I just needed something to do and I heard about the mission that was just getting started in a garage back then,” recalls Denise. “We worked on dirt floors and at the end of the day we would stash the little bit of money we made into the ceiling. Of course, we don’t do that now but that was a different time. “

The Methodist Mission has changed a lot over the years, including its name. In 1984, the former Ford garage property was simply called All Souls Community Ministry. Then in 1991 the Fellowship Hall and the Methodist Mission building were built and by 2004 a work/sorting/storage area was added on to the Checotah Methodist Mission.

In 2011 leadership changed again and a purpose was written. The Methodist Mission’s main focus would be to serve God’s children by providing food, clothing, spiritual needs and community outreach. Then in 2013 they reorganized once again, adding specific roles like Chairman of the Board, Financial Manager, Secretary, Day Managers and Pantry Manager. The mission also participates in the USDA program and is run by a board now, but it’s the volunteers at the heart of the program.

“I was born in Oklahoma but went out to Nebraska where I met my husband Hal,” Denise said. “Years later we returned to Oklahoma and I needed something to get out of the house and help others and volunteering did just that. I even got my late husband to volunteer. He made the clothes tables that we still work at today. I told him what we needed and he made it happen.”

There are 30 or more volunteers from the community who help run the mission which is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Currently the following volunteers help in these specific areas: Special Sales (Valentine’s, Easter, Halloween, etc.) – Christi Johnson Toys – Roxy Moore Christmas Sales – Denise Leonard Food Pantry – Louise Slinkard Mission Board Chairman – Marianna Callich Mission Board Treasurer – Bruce Callich “Each day we sort through donated clothes, knick knacks, house utensils and more. Every volunteer works in different departments to keep things as organized as we can.”

Last year the Mission reached 2,372 households and 6,677 individuals through the Food Pantry. With 240 new families added to the demographics, the 2023 Food Pantry expenses was $35,603.88 and that number is only expected to go up as the cost of living continues to rise in America and more families find it too hard to put food on their tables.

As a volunteer Denise understands the importance of having adequate resources for the community and enough volunteers to serve that community also. This is why she is still volunteering 40 years later.

“My favorite thing about volunteering is just helping people find what they need, whether it’s clothing, food or something else. If a family has had a fire or is in need of assistance, we work together as a team to help them get back on their feet. It’s just very rewarding to see them smiling and grateful for the help we provide. That’s why more people should volunteer because it’s a great feeling!”