Oaks Indian Mission needing donations

OAKS, Okla. – The Oaks Mission in Delaware County is asking for donations for the Native American children it cares for at its residential facility.

The 167-year-old mission is a home for children who are abused, neglected or abandoned or children whose parents cannot care for them for various reasons. The mission usually cares for 30 to 40 children ranging in ages 3 to 18.

The mission’s needs range from recreational equipment to laundry detergent. Staff is requesting board games, pillows, dish soap, toothbrush holders, bicycles, Wii games, storage containers, arts and crafts sets, bleach, laundry baskets, disinfectant spray and wipes, clothes hampers and 14- and 15-gallon trash bags.

The mission is also in need of clothing in all sizes for children ages 5 to 18, socks and underwear for ages 10 and up, home décor items, area rugs, carpet cleaner, pot holders, Brita water filters for faucets, towels, wash cloths, hair brushes, used but good pots and pans, cooking utensils, first aid kits, medical supplies and Tylenol and Motrin.

The mission is also asking for donations of a butchered calf or pig.

In 1892, with the future of Indian Territory missions in doubt because of the assignment of land allotments by the Dawes Commission, the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church opened a school at the mission site, which was then called Springplace Mission. A church was established in October 1903 named Eben Ezer Lutheran Church and still operates today. The church and mission became the nucleus of Oaks. In 1926, the Oaks Indian Mission was established as a children’s home.

Today, the mission is a nonprofit agency and is funded through private donations. For more information, call 918-868-2196 or visit online at www.oaksindianmission.org.