Following the tragic Haitian earthquake, OKDHS employees moved quickly to support various relief efforts. In addition to the number of employees who individually donated to national and international relief agencies, the OKDHS Area IV offices decided to organize their own special fundraiser.

Lynn Childers, OKDHS Pittsburg County director, said employees brainstormed and decided to donate $15 each for the privilege of wearing jeans in the month of February. All proceeds were donated to Haitian earthquake relief. Childers reported that $4,520 was raised and donated to the Salvation Army.

The group received a letter of gratitude from Capt. Dodie and Rick Swartz, corps officers with the McAlester Salvation Army Corps.

"We want to express our gratitude for your generosity to those in need in Haiti. The devastation that the Haitian people have sustained is just heartbreaking and every effort is being made to help them recover," the officers wrote.

"The relief efforts could not be possible if not for donations from people like you. We want you to know that 100 percent of your donation will go to support the Haiti Relief."

The top three fundraising counties were Pittsburg County with $770; McCurtain County with $725; and Pontotoc County with $700. However, each of the counties that participated should be proud of their efforts to help the Haitian people, Childers added.

"We should all be proud of this accomplishment," Childers said. "Thanks to everyone who participated."