OSU-OKC Talent Search students spread holiday cheer at The Urban Mission’s Santa Store

Santa came to town! On Dec. 10,  OSU-OKC Talent Search students volunteered their time to bring joy to local families at the annual Santa Store hosted by The Urban Mission. This event provides gifts to 1,000 children, as well as books, warm weather attire, and Christmas dinner. The high school students served as shoppers, where they assisted parents in shopping for gifts for their children. This was the first volunteer event for many of the students, and they enjoyed giving back during this season of giving. 

TRIO Talent Search is a federal grant program that provides support for low-income, potential first-generation college students to help them prepare for and enter higher education. The program aims to help students understand the importance of community service.  The Urban Mission is a local food & resource center that welcomes volunteers, and this is the third year that Talent Search has served at their Santa Store event.  

At the end of the day, students got to meet Santa himself! They brought joy to many families and look forward to returning next year.