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Club Members Donate To Kibois Women's Shelter
(Press Release 04-28-06)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Submitted story

“This is just what we need!” exclaimed KiBois Women’s Shelter Director Peggy Birge as she, Linda Morgan, and Sharon Taylor shopped “until they dropped!”

Taylor, Eastern Oklahoma State College Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Community Service Project member and Morgan, PBL Co–advisor recently joined Birge at McAlester’s Wal–Mart to purchase items for the women’s shelter.

“Eastern’s PBL members conducted an ‘Eastern Idol’ contest to raise funds for the shelter,” explained Taylor. “Our relationship with the shelter began last fall when Ms. Birge spoke to PBL members about the incidence of domestic violence. Afterwards, club members voted to adopt the women’s shelter as the chapter’s community service project.”

PBL members decided to purchase Christmas gifts for the children at the center. Each member purchased at least one present for a boy or girl, ages 3–9. Several volunteers spent time wrapping and labeling gifts. The gifts were delivered to the KiBois Women’s Shelter for abused and battered women.

Members wanted to “do more” for the shelter residents. They again contacted Birge and asked her for a “wish list.” After receiving the list, Community Service Project committee members discussed ideas for raising money to purchase something from the list. At a PBL meeting, it was suggested club members organize an “Eastern Idol” competition on campus. Excitement filled the air as members discussed ideas for the contest. The competition was held February 7 & 9. Members of Eastern’s Drama Club, Characters, joined with PBL to raise $516 for the shelter.

On April 4, Taylor, Birge, and Morgan purchased the following items for the children at the shelter: (2) 50 Gallon Totes; (2) bags of Easter Grass; (10) 6–inch pails; (4) Easter Egg Dye Kits; (10) Bendable Rabbits; (2) Coloring Cups; (2) Jax & Balls; (6) Fishing Sets; (10) Easter Balls; (21) Bags of Easter Candy; (4) Magnets; (2) Stick Catch Games; (1) Chutes & Ladders Game; (1) Dorah Chutes Game; (1) Little Tykes Playground; (1) Little Tykes Sand/Water Playground; (1) Little Tykes Woodland Climber; and (1) Little Tykes Picnic Table.

“We had a great time!” exclaimed Taylor. “Several Wal–Mart employees helped us. There was barely enough room for all the items in Ms. Birge’s van. We think the children will really enjoy the equipment, and it’s great to know that we helped make a difference in their lives.”

Caption info:

Eastern Oklahoma State College PBL member Sharon Taylor and KiBois Women’s Shelter Director Peggy Birge examine board games during a recent shopping spree for the children at the shelter.