Thanks to a donation from the Kingfisher County Retired Educators’ Association, Christmas will be a bit brighter this year.

KCREA has donated to Santa’s Toyland for over 15 years in order to bring joy and happiness to some deserving children and families in the community.

Brittney Hladik, coordinator for Santa’s Toyland, accepted a donation check from KCREA President Cathy Howard on behalf of the organization.

Other KCREA members present for the presentation were: Dana Golbek, treasurer; Nancy Teders, past president; Debby Jorgensen, vice president; and LaRita Sipe, membership chairperson.

KCREA also recently sponsored the Teacher Appreciation Week, which was held Nov. 12-18, 2023, as tins of popcorn were distributed to the teacher lounges in various buildings for Kingfisher, Dover, Lomega, Hennessey and Okarche public schools.

The next KCREA meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at the Kingfisher Memorial Library.

Guest speaker Stephanie Simpson with Integris Stroke Awareness will discuss ways to detect a potential stroke.

All retired public school educators and staff are encouraged to attend this meeting.