“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
There are a lot of reasons you may have stumbled across this article. Maybe you’re looking to spend time over the holiday season giving back to those in your community who are in need. Maybe you’re new to the area and hoping to get connected with some organizations who are making a difference. Or maybe it was just serendipitous that you’ve found this list of Oklahoma City-based nonprofits who are helping those in need. Whatever the reason, we’re so glad you’ve found it!
If you live in the OKC area, there are a lot of nonprofit and volunteer organizations that you and your whole family can easily get started with. Whether you’re looking to support these missions financially or physically, here are a few ways to get involved.
Non-Profits Involved in Bettering the Community
Dream Center OKC
Dream Center OKC has dedicated itself to a movement of reaching, rescuing, and restoring those who are isolated by poverty throughout the Oklahoma City area in order to make their individual dreams come true.
By investing in at-risk kids, meeting families’ basic needs, and serving those with more complex needs through relationship development and referrals, Dream Center OKC’s programs have evolved each year to meet the changing needs of this city.
How do I get involved?
There are plenty of ways to get involved: join one of the mission teams that works with the DC Food Pantry, DC Clothing Closet, DC Kids program, or DC Living program. You can also support the Dream Center’s mission by donating. Learn more on their website.
DeMolay International
Built on the belief that every young man has the potential to become a leader of extraordinary character, DeMolay International is dedicated to developing inspiring leadership, team building and networking opportunities for young men ages 12 to 21.
Adult advisors work with these young men from different backgrounds to gain confidence, learn respect and charity, and develop life-long friendships with one another. There are six local chapters throughout the OKC area, but there are a few ways to get involved with this program.
How do I get involved?
Whether you’re eligible to join DeMolay International via a scholarship, internship or career, or you’re looking to volunteer as an adult mentor, there are a few ways to get involved. Learn more.
Little Read Wagon
What would the world be like if we were successful in closing the literacy gap that has been created and expanded thanks to poverty? This is the question Little Read Wagon hopes to answer, first in Norman/Oklahoma City and then beyond to the rest of the world. By sharing a love for reading with marginalized populations, Little Read Wagon offers children (and people of all ages!) the opportunity to learn and love reading by providing books, story times, and literacy events.
How do I get involved?
Check out some of the Little Read Wagon’s upcoming events, their Little Library program, or see how you can volunteer or donate towards this important cause.
Mission OKC
Mission OKC works with local mission teams to provide lunches to low income individuals during the summer months, as well as day camps with lots of exciting activities. These programs are foundational to developing relationships not just with the children but also their larger families, and allow Mission OKC to identify and address all the needs of a family unit to help lift them out of poverty.
How do I get involved?
There are a few ways to get involved with Mission OKC’s programs: donate, volunteer with their programs, or learn more about what a summer day looks like at Mission OKC!
Non-Profits that Assist Families in Need
Ally’s House
Ally’s House provides support for pediatric cancer families all across Oklahoma, primarily in the form of financial assistance. This is designed to help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes up during cancer treatment processes, including prescriptions, medical expenses, transportation and lodging during treatments, etc.
Beyond the financial support programs available, Ally’s House also sponsors a free summer camp for patients ages nine through 17, that provides a safe and supportive environment for each individual to enjoy and be a kid again.
How do I get involved?
See how you can help support Ally’s house through donations, volunteer efforts, or just spreading the word about what the organization is doing for the OKC area. Learn more about Camp Live-a-Dream, too!
Nana’s Closet
This nonprofit’s mission answers a simple question: how can we help alleviate some of the burdens that grandparents face while raising their grandchildren? For Nana’s Closet, the answer seems easy: by empowering and lifting the spirits of these grandparents, we can help to inspire grandparents to protect the next generation’s future.
Unfortunately in today’s world, a lot of grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren on a full-time basis, despite their financial status as a retiree. In order to help with this financial burden, Nana’s Closet is helping to fill the gap in needs for diapers, clothes, car seats, toys, etc.
How do I get involved?
Nana’s Closet is solely able to exist based off of its donations and is always free for grandparents in need. See how you can donate or support this organization.
Non-Profits that Help Animals in Need
Oklahoma Humane Society
The OK Humane Society has been working closely with the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare (OKC Animal Shelter) and other local shelters to eliminate the needless euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals throughout the OKC area since 2007.
Between their animal advocacy programs, humane education programs, adoption capabilities, and spay + neuter clinic, OK Humane is offering a variety of educational and practical resources to the community. Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time at one of their locations, foster an animal in need, or donate money towards their mission, there’s no better time to get involved than now.
How do I get involved?
Learn more about how you can volunteer or foster an animal in need, by visiting their website for additional information.
How Morningstar Storage Can Help
If you’re looking for a way to get involved with the community or local non-profits, your local Morningstar Storage Property Manager is a great resource! Each location works with local non-profits through our Morningstar Cares program, and we would be happy to let you know of some great ones in your area.
