As the holiday season arrives, Hope for Marshall County (HFMC) is moving full steam ahead, meeting a surge in community needs with unwavering determination and heart. Already one of the busiest times of the year for the nonprofit, this season has been made even more challenging by the ongoing federal government shutdown that has disrupted funding for SNAP recipients across southern Oklahoma.
Yet, in the face of adversity, HFMC hasn’t slowed down. Instead, it has exploded into full-on “help mode,” with toy drive drop-off sites appearing across the county, food donations pouring in for the pantry, and local businesses stepping up to donate time, meals and resources. At the center of it all is Executive Director Gwen Wilson, whose steady leadership and tireless coordination have become the backbone of the organization’s outreach.
From connecting families who want to “adopt” other families for Thanksgiving to organizing restaurants that are offering warm, comforting holiday meals, Wilson manages the chaos with calm efficiency and deep gratitude. She said she is humbled every year by the community members.
“The outpouring of generosity has been staggering,” Wilson said. “It’s humbling to see how this community comes together in times of need. Everyone is pitching in, and it’s making a difference.”
That spirit of giving has spread beyond Marshall County, thanks in part to Pointe Vista, which has launched a special fundraising raffle to support the HFMC Food Pantry. The raffle features two standout prizes donated by Pointe Vista: two tickets to see the NBA Champion Oklahoma CityThundertakeontheSan Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day and a four-night, all-inclusive stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased via PayPal at hfmcpantry@yahoo. comorthroughCashApp at $hfmcpantry, with donors encouraged to buy multiple entries in $10 increments. The drawing will be held on November 17 at 5 p.m. Grant Speakes, president of Pointe Vista, said he knew they had to do something to help the community.
“When we learned how the shutdown was affecting local families, we knew we needed to step up and help,” said Speakes. “The Hope for Marshall County Food Pantry plays a vital role in keeping our neighbors fed and supported, and we’re proud to partner with them in this effort to raise dollars and awareness.”
Wilsonsaidtherehasbeen a surge in families needing help because of the government shut down.
“With SNAP funding stalled, we’ve seen more families come through our doors looking for help,” Wilson added. “This partnership with Pointe Vista couldn’t have come at a better time. Their generosity will help ensurewecancontinuemeeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Proceeds from the raffle willgodirectlytowardreplenishing pantry shelves and providing emergency food assistance to local families affectedbytheshutdown.For more information, contact Gwen Wilson at the Hope for Marshall County Food Pantry via email at hfmcpantry@yahoo.com.