TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma's Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa said it's at risk of closing its doors due to a lack of financial support.
Now, two local businesses are raising money to help keep the center open.
They need at least $100,000 by Feb. 14 to keep their support of the LGBTQ+ community going.
Pat Cawiezell is the buyer and program coordinator at Magic City Books. He told me his plan of offering a percentage of sales keeps the community in mind.
"25% of our sales through Wednesday are going towards the equality center. That’s in-store sales, books, and all of our gift items and shirts," Cawiezell said.
Magic City Books offers an entire table of LGBTQ+ books front and center in their shop.
"They’re getting closer. It’s been a great response so far. I think people are going to be able to continue to be able to make those donations," said Cawiezell.
All Souls Unitarian Church also stepped up to lend a hand. Randy Lewis, the church's assistant minister, told me how they are assisting the community.
"We gave our offering away, and that’s something we do weekly. We gave our offering away to churches or organizations that support our values of those who are doing the work of love and justice," said Lewis.
Minister Lewis told 2 News that the equality center started in the church's basement in the 1980s, with a group from the community and those who supported them. He said the church just had to do something.
“We have to be there as a community, and that’s what we do. We call, and we show up. That’s important. Doing the work of the church means showing up when it's needed, and the equality center really needed us this time, and we showed up,” said Lewis.
Minister Lewis said he’s thankful to be a part of the effort.
“I feel really blessed to be a part of a community that really rises to the occasion where there is such a great need," said Lewis.
Donations are still needed. If you want to donate, go to the OKEQ website.
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