A host of friends helped Options Inc. celebrate the holiday season during their annual Christmas party at the Methodist Mission this month. A huge group of volunteers which even included Rep. Neil Hayes assisted this year with Christmas crafts and games as everyone enjoyed a fun-filled morning. While some were making angels, snowmen and scratchoff art to decorate their Christmas tree, others were playing pin the tail on the donkey. The beautiful and talented June Rice volunteered her talent of playing some memorable holiday tunes on the piano as several Options singers belted out some Christmas classics and even some old time favorites like Elvira.
Even Santa stopped by for a quick photo op and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Then the real challenge began when Option residents and volunteers went toe to toe (more like hand to hand) with a clever game of guessing what’s in the box without looking, just feeling the objects hidden inside the boxes. For the third year in a row Options team came up with more correct answers than their opponents who were all smiles, even though they lost out on the grand prize of a pizza party.
However, the ladies in the kitchen were making sure the chili and cornbread were nice and hot so no one left hungry and the desserts were delicious so everyone left a little sweeter than they came.
Matthew Jennings also read the Christmas story to everyone in attendance.
Two volunteers who were missed at the party this year were Joan Sharp and Roxy Moore who had volunteered for decades at the mission. Amazingly, both were called to their heavenly home on the same day, Nov. 12, 2025, one month prior to Options Christmas party.
Sharp worked as the secretary for the First United Methodist Church in Okmulgee from 1977 until her retirement in 2000. Upon retirement she and her husband moved to Lake Eufaula where she continued to serve and volunteer at the church mission until her passing.
Moore, affectionately known as Little Mama, devoted her entire life helping others in this world. Moore was a volunteer at the Methodist Mission in Checotah for many years and fostered over 400 children through the Department of Human Services – some for just a few days and others for longer. In fact she adopted five of those children whom she felt just could not leave her protection and care.
In 2024, Moore was recognized by the Mc-Intosh County Democrat as their Citizen of the Year in 2024. Rep. Josh Brecheen, 2nd District of OK, and Member of Congress stated this about her recognition: “Community leaders play an important role in shaping the life for Oklahomans and Americans” and he was thankful for the role (Moore) played in taking time to make sure her fellow citizens knew that they were cared for and looked after.”
Her close friend Herb Pope had this to also say about her.
“I knew Roxy and helped her because she was my best friend in the entire world for over 35 years. If you knew Roxy, you were as lucky as I was. This whole community will miss all the little things she did from making sandwiches to put out in the bin for the homeless to all the special treats she made for everyone. She just made everyone feel special.”
Before grace was said over the meal, Robert Jennings held a moment of silence to remember both volunteers whose service will never be forgotten.
About Options Inc.
Options Inc. is a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, incorporated in March 1978, and founded by a group of McIntosh County residents whose efforts were led by the late Dorothy Vandiver. This group of residents saw the need and took on the task to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Today Options hardworking and dedicated teammates work together with a Board of Directors to ensure that these special individuals have the best vocational training, along with community integrated employment, a group home, and in-home support services to provide positive outcomes for them.
The group home is situated in a residential district of Checotah and serves several individuals.
LADONNA RHODES | STAFF
A 24-hour staff is available to provide teaching in areas such as health, safety, meal preparation, nutrition, shopping, money management, personal care and civic responsibility.
The main vocational training center and offices are located in the business district of Checotah along with their recycling facility.
Options accepts recycling materials like newspapers, brown paper bags, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastics, scrap metal, tin, steel and aluminum cans. For more information on their recycling call 918-4732614 or email optionsinc@ valornet.com.
Santa is extremely busy during the holiday season but not so busy that he can’t stop by the Options’ Christmas party to take a picture with friends.
