OC’s Outreach makes care packages for students quarantined on campus

The student-led organization in the College of Humanities and Bible also participates in other activities including writing to the elderly at the Autumn Leaves assisted living facility.

September 19, 2020

Outreach, Oklahoma Christian University’s missions and service organization, has made 30 care packages for those on campus who have been quarantined. These care packages include drinks, snacks and, most importantly, letters of encouragement written by members of Outreach. The students in the organization plan on making more care packages in the coming weeks. 

The president of Outreach, Hannah Durham, was the brains behind the care packages. 

“I heard stories about these people who are going into quarantine,” Durham said. “They have no decorations and no food, except what is served to them. They have no structure except what classes they have to take. Care packages seem like a good idea if we’re going to serve our community and reach out.”

Durham hopes that with these care packages, students who are quarantined will have something to look forward to. 

“The care packages are something that gives them a little bit more encouragement,” she said. “Here are some things to do, here are some song suggestions to take their mind off of isolation. It also gives them something to take their mind off of just school work.”

Durham notes there is a lot of risk that comes with being in quarantine.

“If you take a student out of social life, then there is a lot of risk there that comes with a downfall in mental health,” Durham said. “The biggest thing we put in the care packages was the notes. That’s including scripture, song suggestions and prayers. My hope is that they would be encouraged.” 

Outreach has also partnered with Autumn Leaves of Edmond, an assisted living facility, to create a pen pal system with the elderly. Outreach hopes to provide encouragement to those living there at a time when they are unable to receive visits from families due to COVID-19. 

Outreach is the oldest student organization on campus with the purpose of building community and providing opportunities for students to serve God by serving others.