Annual 'Day of Dignity' Brings Hope to Tulsa Families

Starting the School Year with Confidence

Among the attendees was 3rd grader Mariah Webster, who left the event ready for the new school year.

"I just got like a pencil case and my case is like stuffed," Webster said.

The event provided free backpacks, school supplies, and essential items for students like Mariah to start the year prepared and proud.

More Than Just Supplies – A Community Comes Together

IRUSA’s Day of Dignity is designed to unite diverse communities around a shared mission of compassion and support. Families received dental screenings, nutritious meals, and access to mental health resources.

Amy Hossain of the Khan Ohana Foundation said many families are struggling to stay afloat.

"It's really about the community gathering together to help people. So the ones that really need our help the most, they need that dignity," Hossain said.

Easing the Burden of Rising Costs

With inflation pushing school supply prices higher, the impact of events like this is even greater.

"One of our guests said this is one of her only opportunities to have such nice things for school," Hossain said. "Very impactful."

Support Beyond the Basics

For Heather Long, a mother of four, the support was critical. With her husband out of work due to illness, every bit of help makes a difference.

"This helps me out a lot... I can save some of the money to get what they need for sports so that they're not stopping whenever we're going through a crisis at home," Long said.

A Nationwide Effort of Compassion

Tulsa was just one of many cities hosting the Day of Dignity this year.