Life's Hope gives back to DMS students

Apr. 18—Duncan Middle School (DMS) students received the opportunity to sift through an assortment of gifts in their school gymnasium this week as part of over a half million dollar giveaway.

Life's Hope, a humanitarian relief organization, receives Amazon packages from 4 Good Community and volunteers get to distribute the gifts to area schools to give each student a chance to pick one item for themselves and one item to give away.

Brent Justus with Life's Hope in Duncan said this delivery consisted of two semi truck loads of anywhere from $700,000 to $800,000 worth of product.

With each one of these deliveries, Justus said they look forward to seeing the joy and excitement on the kids' faces.

"They are just overwhelmed when they walk into the room and see all those gifts," he said.

Life's Hope has a mission to provide relief locally and around the world. In the past year, the organization flooded several nonprofits and schools with deliveries from their local supply chain.

Justus said they work with around 50-55 additional nonprofits, schools and churches to distribute food.

So far this year, Justus said they've given away roughly $3 million in product giveaways.

DMS Principal Christy Glasscock said by Life's Hope bringing this gift giving day to their school, they are giving students another reason to smile.

"It is an amazing opportunity for our students," she said. "They come in here and they are so excited to shop and choose two different things of their choice."

She said it makes a great two-day experience for everyone.

Glasscock said sixth grade and half of seventh grade came through the first day. Then, they finished up seventh grade and eighth grade on the second day.

DMS Assistant Principal Aime Moore said this opportunity is a great way to give back to the community.

"It builds hope in the kids," Moore said. "They get to come in here and be proud of something they pick."

She said the students may pick out a kitchen sink for their mom's house or even something that matters to their family.

"They are very proud when they walk out of here to be able to give to their family something that they found," she said.

Glasscock said it's great to get to see the smiles on the kids faces.

"Sometimes days can be hard and kids have struggles," Glasscock said. "It's just nice to be able to see everyone happy and coming in here and picking something out."

Some top items this week included a television, several computer desks, electric scooters, gaming chairs and more.

In May, Justus said they will visit Duncan High School.

For more information or questions about donating, contact Life's Hope at info@lifeshopeok.com or visit Life's Hope on Facebook and Instagram.