TULSA, Okla. — QuikTrip announced a $7.8 million donation to the City of Tulsa and local nonprofits Thursday morning to support the fight against problems in the city.
Tulsa Area United Way, Youth Services and the Tulsa Day Center are getting part of the donations. QT wants these grants to help address Tulsa's homeless population as well as safety concerns in the city.
Mayor Bynum, Tulsa Police Chief Wendall Franklin, QT representatives and nonprofit staff members spoke at a news conference about the grants.
“History has shown us that we can better address some of Tulsa’s biggest challenges when we work with members of our nonprofit and private-sector communities,” said Mayor Bynum. “I am incredibly grateful that Tulsa has such a world-class business and partner in QuikTrip that recognizes our community’s largest needs and puts that knowledge into action.”
Along with the non-profits some of the funds are going to the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa Police Foundation. Franklin spoke on the partnership between QT, TPD and TPF.
“QuikTrip’s growth and success benefits the Tulsa community and I’m excited about the company’s investment into local non-profits to combat the current issues our city is facing,” said Franklin. “The Tulsa Police Department wants a strong community capable of resolving complex problems with limited police intervention, and QT’s investment in Tulsa will help make our city safer.”
2 News spoke with members of the homeless community Thursday afternoon. Phillip Thomas said he’s lived along Denver Avenue near the local QuikTrip close to three years struggling with homelessness while avoiding drugs or giving up so he can get his chance in a housing wait list.
“When I get that, they’re going to be paying it for a whole year for me at the Denver House. When I get my SSI check to start coming in, I’m gonna save that money up,” Thomas said.
Thomas added he’s encouraged by the news of the donation. He said he just wants to save up for getting an ID, permanent housing, and making his dreams of owning his own food business come true.
“There’s 3500 people that’s homeless (in the area)," Thomas said. "They can help them out a whole lot too. Get you the ones that need it more than I do.”
The donations from QT provides additional funding for the city's missions mentioned in the State of the City.
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