The 2024 version of McClain County’s Operation Christmas is in the books and veteran volunteer Peggy Christian said it was definitely a successful venture.

“We took care of 791 people this year including parents, children and senior citizens,” Mrs. Christian said. “It takes so many people, so many volunteers to make it happen.”

“The old saying it takes a community to raise a child is a very true saying in this community,” she said. “We had a host of volunteers from all walks of life who we so appreciate.

“We received lots of donations from businesses and individuals in McClain County and it’s the reason we can keep McClain County Operation Christmas successfully operating,” Mrs. Christian said.

She named some of the groups and people who volunteered their time and services to assist in this year’s operation.

“We had 10 men from OGE who volunteered for two days along with the McClain County Sheriff’s Department and McClain County Commissioners,” she said.

Dibble, Wayne, Purcell, Newcastle, the Criminal Justice Class of Mid-America Technology Center and the Purcell Home School Association all had food drives or sorted food and toys.

Union Hill, Landmark, Purcell First Baptist, Trinity United Methodist, Sunray Baptist, Emmanuel Baptist, Purcell First Christian  and First Baptist of Newcastle all had some type of drives.

4-H of McClain County, FAA of Purcell and Washington, Rotary, OHCE Clubs of McClain County, Okeyha Mothers Club, Fireball 2031 Basketball team, families who home school with no association and the Indian Territory Round-Up Club all made contributions as well.

“If I missed anyone, I’m very sorry. We do appreciate everyone’s help because it takes so many people,” Mrs. Christian concluded.