Editor’s Note: This is the latest in a series of articles featuring the non-profit help causes that will benefit from Yukon 66 Main Street’s fourth annual “Cruise-In for a Cause” set 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 in downtown Yukon.
By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A Canadian County non-profit charity is asking car enthusiasts to bring socks for kids in need next week in Yukon.
This is the first year that Youth & Family Services will participate in Yukon 66 Main Street’s annual Cruise-In for a Cause set 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 on Yukon’s iconic Route 66.
Vehicles of all variety will cruise “under the lights of Main” to support four participating help causes – Youth & Family Services, Canadian County Court-Appointed Special Advocates, Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program, and Yukon Mobile Meals.
Youth & Family Services (YFS) provides programs to support children, youth and families in communities across Canadian, Kingfisher and Blaine counties. For the past 45 years, they have depended on private support to provide their varied services.
Donations are encouraged at the four non-profits’ advocacy booths and at donation stations on the Main Street cruise event grounds. A portion of Park and Show registration fees also benefit the help causes.
Each cause will have a “product drive” to collect needed items.
The YFS booth will feature a “Sock Hop for Kids”.
“Many of the kids who come into our shelter or transitional living program don’t have the basics, so socks are always something that we need,” YFS community outreach lead Carol Plemmons said.
“So, we’re asking the community to help keep these kiddos in socks.”
YFS’ Cruise booth will feature a fun “sock hop” environment.
“So, go back about 60 years, put on your poodle skirts and saddle oxfords and come join us!” Plemmons added. “We’ll also have a sock hop-themed photo booth.”
When they’re not riding, Cruise-In for a Cause attendees will stroll through the Park and Show area (400 block of W Main), visit cause and sponsor booths, check out fun activities along the way, and enjoy a constant parade of cool rides.
The Sept. 15th open cruise will feature everything from classics and hot rods to vintage and newer model vehicles.
Presenting sponsor for the 2022 Cruise-In for a Cause is Archery Traditions of Oklahoma.
For more information, call (405) 350-5999 or visit https://www.yukon66mainstreet.com/
SHARING THE WORD
Volunteers will share the word about YFS during Yukon Main Street’s upcoming car cruise.
“We’re really excited to be part of Cruise-In for a Cause since we’re right on Route 66, just four miles down from where the event will take place,” YFS Executive Director John Schneider said.
“As a non-profit charity, we really believe we’re only as strong as our community supporters. We love to partner with anybody we can, to raise awareness, resources and funds for the kids we serve.”
YFS operates an emergency shelter serving abused and neglected children and offers an independent living program for young adults. The organization provides counseling for children and families and foster care for homeless and abused children.
“We’re the only non-profit in the State of Oklahoma that has those four ‘core’ services in a continuum of care model – all in one place,” Schneider noted.
Since 2007, the YFS offices and shelter have been housed at 7566 E Hwy 66 between Yukon and El Reno. Through a partnership with the Donald Reynolds Foundation, YFS launched a capital campaign that raised about $1 million to build the facility.
YFS’ independent living program, for residents 18 years and above, is based at an El Reno apartment complex.
The agency serves about 2,500 people annually through its continuum of care network of programming.
For more information, call (405) 262-6555.
