Rob: So while Kingfisher awaits word on this federal assistance, what's
being done to help those still in need?
Brian: Well, lots Rob.
It seems like Oklahoman's just seem to have a knack for helping out in times
of disaster.
Earlier, I visited with the Kingfisher Elementary where one FFA group, from
across the state, offered help where it was needed most.
Brian: On this day, when the rains fell in Kingfisher, there wasn't a
threat of flood, instead an air of hope and excitement.
Anything you guys have brought to us will get used, and we sure
appreciate that.
Some of these kids haven't had a backpack in a while, and they've just been
using bags.
We've had some stuff donated from some people, but nothing like this from
anyone.
Brian: On this day, students at the Kingfisher Gilmour Elementary are
about to be surprised with much needed school supplies.
Kids: Thank you.
Thank you.
Brian: And what really makes it special is that it's students helping
students; Brandy Watkins with the Lindsay FFA.
Brandy Watkins: I talked to my eighth grade class, and they had never helped
out another community so broad like this one.
And after they decided what they wanted to do, we kind of pinpointed it, and
it started out something very simple.
It turned out to a big community service project for backpacks for these
children.
Brian: The Lindsay FFA raised over $1000 and purchased over 50
backpacks and miscellaneous school supplies for the students.
Terry Payne: I was pretty excited when Mrs. Watkins gave me a ring, and she
told me she had about 30 of her students who were trying to raise money and
wanted to do this.
And I was just amazed that another school would take time to look at us as we
were in a time of need.
Brian: Principal Terry Payne says since the flood came through Kingfisher in
August, many students were in dire need of supplies.
Payne: It affected probably one-third of our families, a lot of those
families reading books all of their textbooks, supplies.
They didn't have time.
The flood came so quickly, they didn't have time to get any of their stuff out
of their homes.
Brian: And by delivering the supplies first-hand, the FFA'ers received the
satisfaction of a job well done.
Brooke Kennedy: It was pretty good.
When they looked up and realized what we were doing for them, and asking
questions, they were pretty excited about it.
Brian: But of course they couldn't leave without giving a short lesson on
agriculture.
Watkins: Do you guys know what Ag is?
Student: Yes, my brother took it.
Watkins: Okay, but what is it?
Brooke: We asked them where chocolate milk came from.
And someone thought it came from brown cows.
So that was pretty funny.
Brian: Sharing their knowledge and generosity while bringing communities
together and helping those in need.