PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
®
May 31, 2013
Oklahoma Farm Bureau reaches out to storm victims Throughout much of the history of this great state, the family members of Oklahoma Farm Bureau have worked together, sharing the joys and the sufferings that accompany everyday life. We are a statewide family with offices in all 77 counties to serve Oklahomans. The horrific storms that recently affected central Oklahoma serve as another reminder of how important it is to help each other when tragedy strikes. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies’ main office at 2501 N. Stiles in Oklahoma City will serve as a collection point for donations to those affected by the storms. Critical items needed are bottled water, sports drinks, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, individually wrapped snack food, diapers, baby formula and work gloves. Clothing does not appear to be needed at this time. A trailer is located on the west side of the building for donations that our staff will distribute to appropriate relief organizations. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those employees, members and all other families who lost life and property during the storms,” said OKFB Executive Director Monica Wilke. “Each one of us, in our own specific capacity, has the opportunity to make a positive difference for those who have suffered catastrophic loss.”
Several counties have already contributed much needed supplies, and the trailer will be available for as long as needed. In addition to supplies, monetary donations are also being accepted through the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation. You may aid those in need by donating money, which will be directly used for recovery efforts. Checks can be made out to the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. The family members of Oklahoma Farm Bureau respectfully request your prayers and compassion during this time of need for our fellow Oklahomans.
TOP – Field Rep Justin Whitmore unloads cases of water donated by Caddo and Nowata Counties. LEFT – Wisconsin Farm Bureau member Stan Hallman piles limbs and debris at Cleveland County FB member Jimmy Mabry’s family farm near Moore. Hallman and two fellow Wisconsinites drove 13 hours to help with storm clean up. Visit www.okfarmbureau.org to view a video about these volunteers.
Smith joins OKFB as communications intern Burlington, Okla., native Samantha Smith joined Oklahoma Farm Bureau as the communications summer intern in mid-May. Smith is an agricultural communications senior at Oklahoma State University. Her Samantha Smith interest in the internship began with the role Oklahoma Farm Bureau played in her home community, as well as her desire to communicate agriculture
to the public, Smith said. “Growing up in Alfalfa County, I knew a lot of people involved in Farm Bureau,” Smith said. “I knew it was a company whose values would be congruent to mine.” Smith grew up on a primarily wheat-producing farm in Amorita, Okla. Her passion for agriculture developed from experiencing the industry first-hand and becoming involved in the FFA through public speaking, she said. “FFA public speaking was where I really learned how to communicate about agriculture,” Smith said. “My interest in writing, design and photography stemmed from there,
but agriculture has always been the common factor.” The communications internship at Oklahoma Farm Bureau is designed to provide quality work experience to an agricultural communications student. Interns are given the opportunity to write stories for Farm Bureau publications and radio, as well as gain experience in the field of photography and videography. “I want to help spread the message of Oklahoma agriculture and inform others about what people are doing within the industry,” Smith said. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau is giving me the opportunity to do just that.”