Air Assurance Continues Tradition
Green Country Company Continues Tradition of Helping Others
(Wednesday, December 24, 2008 5:30 pm by Kaci Christian, FOX23.com, Tulsa OK) – Christmas is—tomorrow! For some, the best part of the holiday isn’t just about receiving. As FOX 23’s Kaci Christian shows us, the rewards that come from sharing what we have with others can be the best gift.
“A lot of people are struggling in Green Country,” reports FOX 23’s Kaci Christian. “Local charities say demand for services is up, and donations aren’t keeping up with the need. But one local company, however, is celebrating its annual tradition to give back during the holidays.”
A surprise knock at the door—and an unexpected visitor…
“Hi, I’m Mike Rampey,” he says, when the door opens.
For fifty-eight families in north Tulsa, this man represents Santa—and he’s bearing gifts—
“Some food that many people normally wouldn’t be able to have at Christmas time,” Rampey says.
One of the surprised recipients is Dionne McNeil.
“It’s—it’s like, it’s like Christmas!” McNeil exclaims.
Mike Rampey and fellow workers at Air Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning in Broken Arrow celebrate an annual tradition, sharing time and resources with others. Each Christmas for the past 24 years, they’ve chosen a special project.
“It’s just part of what Christmas is all about—it’s the giving part,” explains Rampey.
McNeil says the gift means more than just the food.
“It means there’s actually some good people still out there, y’know, out helpin’,” she adds.
A single parent with two young daughters, McNeil says the generosity is overwhelming.
“People don’t just come out and, y’know, walk around door-to-door, passing out groceries,” she says.
That’s why she says she was so shocked to open the door and find Rampey offering a bag filled with groceries.
Times are hard, and it’s tough to make ends meet, McNeil admits.
This gift, she says, “just makes everything better!”
And the volunteers say they receive an incredible gift in return.
“To see the—the smiles, and the people’s eyes light up when we deliver one of these baskets,” Rampey grins, “they weren’t expecting it.”
“Thank ya’ll so much,” McNeil says, “I really appreciate it.”
Rampey says you, too, can reap the benefits of helping others.
“Just turn the TV off and go out and do somethin’,” he urges. “It makes all the difference in the world. You can see the smile on my face.”
“And at this time of the year, or really anytime, it’s always very helpful if you choose to donate your time to help others,” FOX 23’s Kaci Christian reports. “Families like the McNeils say that they really appreciate the attention. If you’d like to help, all you have to do is call Volunteer Central of Greater Tulsa at (918) 447-1888. Reporting in north Tulsa, Kaci Christian, FOX 23 News.”
