Pint-sized superheroes, princesses, animals, ghosts and pirates filled the halls of OMRF for a day of Halloween fun, games, and, of course, candy.
For the 13th consecutive year, OMRF hosted a Halloween event for more than 75 children from Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma City’s only elementary school and social service agency specifically serving children and families experiencing homelessness.
“Our students are so excited to visit OMRF for Halloween each year,” said Positive Tomorrows Director of Development Margaret Creighton. “Children are often overlooked when talking about homelessness. By hosting this annual Halloween event, OMRF sends a message to our kiddos that they are not forgotten, and it provides a sense of hope and normalcy. Plus, it’s always a lot of fun!”
OMRF staff dimmed the lights, adorned offices and hallways with spooky décor, played eerie music, and handed out heaping bowls of candy and small toys. Some employees donned Halloween costumes themselves as they passed out treats to the tiny trick-or-treaters parading door-to-door.
Outfitted in costumes created by students at Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of Dance and Arts Management, the children were treated to snacks in the OMRF cafeteria to go with the bags of candy they had gathered in the halls.
Homelessness is a significant problem in Oklahoma, which ranks as the seventh worst state for homeless children in the U.S. More than 6,000 children are homeless in central Oklahoma alone. The school takes a three-step approach to addressing the problem by focusing on education, providing family support and removing barriers such as transportation, hunger and basic needs.
“We’re always as excited as the kids are for this day,” said OMRF Vice President of Human Resources Courtney Stevens Greenwood. “The Positive Tomorrows visit is one we look forward to every year. It’s not just good for the kids; it’s good for us, too.”
