It’s ‘bedlam’ for a good cause

Local News

Discussion

November 25, 2009

By Barry Porterfield The Democrat Wed Nov 25, 2009, 11:14 AM CST

Bedlam is the name given to the rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys — in or out of the sports world.

For Pauls Valley residents who are fans of either team, it’s also a rivalry that helps out a good local cause — collecting nonperishable food for the Pauls Valley Samaritans.

That’s a big deal since an army of volunteers continues working to deliver Thanksgiving food baskets to local residents in need. They will also soon be preparing for the sequel with Christmas food baskets.

One way to help the cause and support your team is the Bedlam canned food drive spearheaded by The Economic Group, a downtown retail merchants committee of the Pauls Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“This is an effort to resupply the Samaritans and charge ahead to the Christmas holiday,” said chamber Director Della Wilson.

The way it works is OU and OSU fans donate food and designate it as a contribution going in their team’s name.

“We want fans of the two teams to compete and bring in the food contributions to us at the chamber office or a number of drop-off sites at businesses throughout town,” Wilson said. “We want people to give because they want to give and it helps their team. It’s the neighborly thing to do.”

The food drive pits fans from each team against each other as the one with the most food donations wins the contest.

As a way of separating the donations and keeping track, food coming in for the effort will be placed on one of two tables at the chamber office. One table has an OSU banner, the other an OU banner. When it’s over the contributions will be eyed to see which side collected the most food.

The big day is Monday, Nov. 30 as donations can be made through then at the chamber office, 112 E. Paul Ave.

“One hundred percent of the donations goes to the Samaritans,” Wilson said.

As with last year’s drive the whole idea is to help restock the food pantry. The Samaritans, which began here three decades ago, provides food to people in need. The group is especially busy this time of year with the distribution of food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The need for help is even greater this year. Samaritan officials said the requests for Thanksgiving baskets hit a new record and they expect many Christmas requests, too.

Anyone who misses the Monday donation deadline for the Bedlam contest may still donate food to the Samaritans by dropping goods off at the chamber.

For more information about the Bedlam food campaign or Samaritans’ Christmas drive, call the chamber at (405) 238-6491.

Text Only

Local News

Group looks to make fitness fun
Fitness and fun — a great combination for an ever expanding group working to better the health of those in the entire Garvin County area.

February 7, 2012
4-H program helps with 911 signs
Garvin County's 911 coordinator is now hoping to get the message out for residents, especially those in rural areas, to get their new 911 addresses posted as near their home's driveway as possible.

February 5, 2012 1 Photo
Despite 75th milestone, GC livestock show maintains tradition
Part of what makes the Garvin County Livestock Show stand out for so many participants year after year is despite any changes, the traditions which began so many years ago can still be seen from those who are involved today.

February 4, 2012 1 Photo
Raffle run to help kids’ place in PV
A special football sporting the names of past Oklahoma gridiron greats is at the center of a campaign going on right now to help a Pauls Valley kids’ facility.

February 4, 2012 1 Photo
Cookie sales kick off

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
Breakfast tradition returning for crowds and fellowship
While many residents of Pauls Valley have no shortage of great causes to open up their pocket for in any given year, there are events where community bonds almost overshadow an annual need.

February 2, 2012
A real focus on illegal drugs
The new year has brought with it a very fast pace for one Garvin County law enforcement agency thanks to its extra attention on illegal drug activity.

February 2, 2012
Featured Pet Adopt: Blossom

February 1, 2012 1 Photo
Showing Support

January 31, 2012 1 Photo
Absentee date comes in a week
Voters in three Garvin County school districts have a few days left to request to have absentee ballots mailed to them for an upcoming election date.

January 31, 2012
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

It’s ‘bedlam’ for a good cause

Site Map

Contact Us