logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
A Season of Giving can make a difference for children
commentary
January 2, 2025
A Season of Giving can make a difference for children
By JOE DORMAN OICACEO

OKLAHOMA CITY – No matter what holiday you are celebrating in December, there are usually gifts involved.

With Christmas Day and Hanukkah both falling on December 25, and Kwanzaa starting on December 26, people from all around the world will have reason to exchange gifts with friends and loved ones. I should say most people, as there are many who are without anyone in

their lives other than those generous strangers who provide the means to share a bit of joy with those truly in need.

Think back over the past and remember that one special item which brought joy to you. I can think of many great things received, even with my family often struggling to make ends meet. One of my friends had a handheld video game, Donkey Kong, and I really wanted one of my own. My parents gave me a gift to open one Christmas morning. It was a video game cartridge of the game that I wanted, but I assumed they did not realize that it was not the item that I wanted and would not work without the Atari console. To surprise me, they brought out the console it would play on following my look of dejection. I was thrilled. It was special to have something like this, a gift I never expected to receive.

I was lucky. I had parents willing to make that type of financial sacrifice to see me happy. In fact, I appreciate all they were did to provide opportunities for me, along with people in the community where I grew up who helped me have the chance to take 4-H trips, participate in activities, and be involved in programs which set me on the path to service.

With my current job, I often see the tribulations many modernday youths face. Far too many do not have family members who provide a safe and loving home for their children.

When this happens, the state must find a suitable place for children to remain until problems are resolved and reunification can happen, or adoption when no other option is left.

According to the state-run website okfosters. org, there are currently 5,824 children currently in the custody of the state as foster children, with 350 waiting to for grandparents raising their own children’s children. Much of that number is contributed to incarceration rates for single parents or sometimes even both parents. Other family members are often called upon to take in youngsters when something happens which requires the children to be taken from their mothers and fathers so as to avoid foster care. These family members often do not receive financial support similar to what foster parents receive from the state to care for children due to budget constraints.

Many of these children will be fortunate to eventually return to their biological parents, but they need a safe, loving environment until that occurs. If you are able and have the means, please consider giving that special gift to a child who is enduring the most traumatic experience of their young life: being a foster parent.

Oklahoma is in desperate need of those who could open their home to a child in need and make that difference to them. If you are moved to do so, please call 1-800-376-9729 to learn more. Please also share this thought with friends, your church, and others so together, we can ensure each of these children has the brightest of holidays possible.

Walker named District Teacher of the Year
A: Main, News...
Walker named District Teacher of the Year
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
October 16, 2025
Amber Walker, a 4th grade math teacher at Checotah Intermediate School (CIS), was recently named the District Teacher of the Year for Checotah Schools. From a young age, Walker knew she was destined t...
this is a test
Reed launches ‘Season of the Warrior’ Tour to honor Native American vets
A: Main, News...
Reed launches ‘Season of the Warrior’ Tour to honor Native American vets
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
October 16, 2025
Former Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Director Pete Reed made a stop in Eufaula Oct. 2 on behalf of the Season of the Warrior campaign tour. The goal of the campaign is to reach 100 cities in...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Teen dies from injuries caused by blowout
October 16, 2025
A juvenile from Indianola has died as the result of a tire blowout that caused a collision on the Indian Nations Turnpike at mile marker 75 in Pittsburg County on Monday, Oct. 6. According to the Okla...
this is a test
Boo to Domestic Violence
A: Main, News...
Boo to Domestic Violence
October 16, 2025
McIntosh County Democrat invites the community to say “Boo to Domestic Violence” next Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Unique Touch, 505 N. Broadway in Checotah. Several superheroes, some ...
this is a test
BARKtoberfest, a howling-ghoul time for pups and people
A: Main, News...
BARKtoberfest, a howling-ghoul time for pups and people
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
October 16, 2025
Porches & Pastures hosted their 7th Annual BARKtoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 11and lots of locals and visitors had a howling-ghoul time as they listened to live music from Last Call Band and browsed thr...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Annual turkey shoot Oct. 25
October 16, 2025
The annual Eugene Woodfork Turkey Shoot will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Warrior School Grounds 10 miles west of Checotah. Turkey shoot is $4 a shot. Bring your own gun or ...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main, News...
Operators of daycare center accused of abuse
October 16, 2025
Jacob and Stephanie Smith, operators of a daycare center in Checotah, have been formally charged with multiple counts of child abuse. They were arrested on Oct. 1 and at their arraignment on Oct. 7 Ja...
this is a test
Checotah 4-H and FFA Booster Club
A: Main, News...
Checotah 4-H and FFA Booster Club
October 16, 2025
Monday, Oct. 20 at 6 p. m. At Checotah Agricultural Education Building Dinner will be provided.
this is a test
A: Main, News...
7th Annual Checotah Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament
October 16, 2025
Friday, Oct. 24 at Arrowhead State Golf Course – Canadian, OK Registration begins at 8 a.m. Shot Gun start at 8:30 a.m. Four Man Scramble –Cash Prizes & Door Prizes & More! Lunch immediately following...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Heartland Heritage Museum & Checotah Art Guild 3rd Annual Pumpkin Painting Contest
October 16, 2025
For Kids Ages 3 – 11 Bring your own pumpkin or paint one of ours - first come first served - 30 painters. Sat., Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery Prizes and Ribbons Aw...
this is a test
Eternal Treasures found at Freedom House
News
Eternal Treasures found at Freedom House
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
October 16, 2025
The Freedom House Adult and Teen Challenge Eternal Treasures BBQ Banquet and Graduation Ceremony was held Saturday, October 4 and celebrated several ladies’ freedom from the struggles in this world. W...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy