UPDATE: A dedicated nurse at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City has raised $1,100 to support families affected by the ongoing government shutdown, which has left many Oklahomans struggling to meet their basic needs. In a heartfelt effort to combat food insecurity, Shelby Finn, a registered nurse in the Baby Resource Team, has mobilized her colleagues to make a meaningful difference in the community.
As the shutdown continues to impact countless families, Finn felt a strong urge to take action. “I don’t want any kid to not have food. So what can we do to help bridge that gap while they’re figuring their lives out?” she said in a recent statement. Her passion for helping families in need was ignited after witnessing a social media post about a food fundraiser.
Finn quickly created her own post on Mercy’s employee page, sparking an outpouring of support from fellow nurses. “Then I had an anonymous donor who was willing to match up to $500,” Finn explained. The collective effort resulted in a total of $1,100 raised so far, which will be donated to the Regional Food Bank to provide food for those in need.
In Oklahoma, approximately 700,000 people rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including vulnerable populations such as children, veterans, and seniors. Finn expressed her gratitude for the generosity shown by her colleagues and the community, stating, “I think they’re like, oh yeah, this is a need, and I want to help meet it.”
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated as families face food shortages due to the ongoing economic strain. Finn encourages others to join the fight against hunger. “If I have 50 other people donating $10, it’s a bigger impact,” she noted, emphasizing the power of collective action.
To contribute to this vital cause, Finn urges individuals to donate directly to the Regional Food Bank. Donations can be made through this [link](#).
As the situation develops, the community remains hopeful that efforts like Finn’s will alleviate some of the burdens faced by families during these challenging times. Stay tuned for further updates on how local leaders and citizens are stepping up to support those in need.
