Several Oklahoma City-area charities are raising money and recruiting volunteers as the holiday season approaches.

Here is a look at some of the drives and fundraisers making a difference across the metro.

Regional Food Bank tops $1.2 million for children's meals

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Food for Kids Match campaign raised $1,229,741 to help fight childhood hunger in central and western Oklahoma, the organization announced Oct. 14, according to the Journal Record.

The donations will help provide more than 3.4 million meals through four programs: the Backpack Program, School Pantry Program, Kids Café and Summer Feeding Program.

Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank, said the Food for Kids Programs are among the most critical the organization offers. She said the donations help ensure students come to school nourished and ready to learn.

Six sponsors funded a dollar-for-dollar match of up to a combined $285,000 during August and September. Those sponsors included the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Expand Energy, Mark and Beth Brewer, Dolese Bros., Energy Transfer and David and Lezlie Hudiburg.

Cavett Kids Foundation fundraiser set for Nov. 20

Cavett Kids Foundation will host its annual fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 20 at Embassy Suites Downtown Medical Center in Oklahoma City, the Journal Record reported. The event supports children and families affected by chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

The evening will feature live and silent auctions, performances by Cavett Kids campers, games and dinner. Tickets are available through the foundation's website. The organization is also seeking auction donations such as gift cards, experiences and gift packages.

Ashley Simpson, executive director of Cavett Kids Foundation, said the organization hopes to raise money for the children and families it serves.

Warriors for Freedom serves OKC-area veterans

Warriors for Freedom, an Oklahoma City nonprofit that has served military veterans for 14 years, provides ride services, hot breakfasts and basic-needs support to isolated veterans, The Oklahoma Post reported.

Executive Director Jose Cinco, a 16-year Army veteran who took the role Feb. 1, told the outlet the foundation's programs served an estimated 8,000 veterans this year. Drivers have provided about 160 trips to medical appointments, mental health sessions and errands, as of late October.

The foundation hosts a Warrior Breakfast on the second Saturday of each month at rotating metro locations, drawing about 30 veterans, family members and supporters, Cinco said.

Warriors for Freedom also operates Purposeful Thrift, a store at 4616 N. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City. The store accepts donated goods and covers the foundation's rent and bills, Cinco said.

City Rescue Mission gears up for Thanksgiving

City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City is planning its annual Thanksgiving banquet Nov. 26, according to News 9. Volunteers can help prepare food, set up tables and serve guests from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 800 W. California Ave.

The shelter drew attention in October after it was short 80 Halloween costumes for the 120 children staying there, Hoodline reported. Community donations and a contribution from Oklahoma City Thunder player Isaiah Hartenstein's foundation helped close the gap. Every child received a costume for the shelter's Halloween carnival.

Erin Goodin, the mission's CEO and president, told KOCO that watching the children enjoy the event meant a great deal to staff.

Holiday volunteer opportunities across the metro

News 9 compiled a list of holiday volunteer openings around the Oklahoma City area. Among them:

  • Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringing: Nov. 13 through Dec. 24 at store locations across the metro. Volunteers must be 18 or older.
  • Bethany Children’s Health Center: Donate items from the hospital's wish list or volunteer for holiday activities Nov. 19 through Dec. 26 at 6800 NW 39th Expressway in Bethany.
  • Salvation Army Christmas warehouse: Sort toys, clothing and gift cards Nov. 30 through Dec. 14 at 1001 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City.
  • The Urban Mission Santa Store: Help families shop for gifts Dec. 12 at 3737 N. Portland Ave. in Oklahoma City. Volunteers must be 12 or older.
  • City Center OKC Christmas PREP: Wrap gifts and deliver presents Dec. 17 through Dec. 19 at 5731 NW 41st St. in Warr Acres.
  • Red Andrews Christmas Dinner: Serve about 7,000 people Dec. 24 at 6921 Plaza Mayor Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
  • Positive Tomorrows holiday gift drive: Collect and distribute gifts for children experiencing homelessness. Dates vary. Contact [email protected].

Church youth raise $440 for Habitat for Humanity

Youth at First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City built and decorated birdhouses after learning about Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, The Oklahoman reported. Church members bid on the birdhouses during a Sunday auction that raised $440, according to the Rev. John C. McKinnon, the church's senior minister.

United Way launches annual campaign

Mayor David Holt said on X on Sept. 14 that the United Way of Central Oklahoma launched its annual fundraising campaign. Holt wrote that the organization supports programs at nearly 70 nonprofit agencies and raised $19.5 million the previous year.