DLO Employees Donate More Than 400 Food Baskets to Oklahoma DHS

Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma (DLO) employees held a variety of fundraising efforts throughout the year in order to raise money to purchase Thanksgiving food baskets for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). This year, DLO was able to provide food baskets to more than 400 families in the Oklahoma City metro.

"Each year, the employees at DLO take it upon themselves to raise money in order to provide food for DHS," said Jim McKissick, DLO's chief people officer. "All of the creative fundraising efforts are completely employee-driven, whether that be through craft sales, raffles, bake sales, or other unique ideas. DLO has partnered with DHS for many years and are happy we can provide a meal to those in need."

With the funds raised, DLO was able to purchase a variety of Thanksgiving food such as canned goods, stuffing, mashed potatoes and desserts.

The DHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement (OCFE) works with Oklahoma County offices and community organizations to help fill gaps in public assistance. Workers in all service areas are keenly aware of which families need help and often refer them to additional community resources. Four DHS offices in Oklahoma County provided the DLO Thanksgiving baskets to families that receive minimal assistance through the agency. These families are identified by the DHS workers. After receiving notification from DHS, the recipients come to the DHS office to pick up their basket.

"Our employees recognize the needs of our fellow Oklahomans and want to bring some hope and caring to those that need it most," said McKissick. "Each year, DLO has been able to increase our food basket count, and I'm so proud of the collective efforts by our DLO team."