The Washita County Coalition is excited to host Community Unity Day, a special event supporting local families. This event, which includes a Community Baby Shower, Resource Fair, and Drug Take-Back initiative, will take place on April 26, 2025, at the Washita County Activity Center in Cordell. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the Drug Take-Back portion operating as a drive-thru from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Community Unity Day aims to assist families, especially those experiencing financial hardship, by providing essential resources for expectant parents and families with young children up to five years old.
“At a recent Multi-County Coalition meeting, which serves Washita County, we identified a pressing need within our community—support families struggling to provide essentials for expecting mothers and with young children,” said Brittani Brice. “By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
To ensure the event’s success, donations are currently being sought. Rather than monetary contributions, the Washita County Coalition is requesting gift baskets, gift cards, baby items, and other family- friendly essentials.
“Recognizing the challenges faced by families in rural areas, where access to basic baby supplies often requires traveling to Elk City or Oklahoma City, this event seeks to bridge that gap by bringing necessary items closer to home. Donations of diapers, wipes, bibs, bottles, formula (non-expired and unopened), socks, and clothing up to size 5T/5 are greatly appreciated,” said DeShawna Smyth.
Raffle drawings will take place throughout the event to further engage the community. Prizes include a Cosori Pro LE 5.0 Quart air fryer, donated by Steve Berry, and a $200 gift certificate for car detailing from Smyth Detailing. Additional donation requests include haircuts, gift cards, gym memberships, towels, washcloths, small kitchen or bathroom sets, pots and pans, and other daily essentials. All contributions are tax-deductible, and receipts will be provided upon request.
Donations can be delivered to DeShawna Smyth at the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority, 420 Sooner Drive, Burns Flat, Oklahoma. For those unable to drop off items, arrangements can be made for a convenient time and place for collection by contacting 580-562-5039.
The Drug Take-Back portion of the event offers a secure way for residents to dispose of unused or expired medications. Community members can simply drop off their prescriptions in a designated box and receive free at-home medication disposal kits, medication lock bags or boxes, fentanyl or xylazine test strips, and Naloxone (Narcan).
“Each year, in April and October, we participate in National Drug Take-Back Day, providing a safe way for individuals to dispose of unused or expired medications, thereby reducing harm and misuse in the home,” said Smyth. “This year, we are hosting a larger event to raise awareness about various issues affecting our community.”
Local businesses, churches, and community members are encouraged to contribute to this impactful event. Donors will be recognized at the event, and promotional materials from supporting businesses can be displayed. Organizations interested in serving as resource vendors can complete the registration form at https://forms.office.com/r/ARt62uTuW5 or scan the QR code on the event flyer.
For more information or to confirm a donation, please get in touch with Brittani Brice at 580-660-5359 (bbrice@red-rock.com) or DeShawna Smyth at deshawna@ swoda.org.