The local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers is looking to expand its membership with special events, including one being held Saturday evening at First United Bank (315 E Dewey Ave).
On Saturday, August 23rd, the local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers will have what they’re calling a “Make-and-Take/Meet-and-Greet” event on the bank’s second floor. The event is open to all mothers of veterans and active duty military. The group will be decorating small jars with battery-operated candles, and visitors won’t have to bring anything.
The bank is currently displaying the group’s mission and history in its “Local Business Spotlight” area located in the entryway on Dewey Ave.
Bank employee Patricia Maynard Flood, whose son is currently serving in the army, said she was thrilled to learn about the program.
“Someone told me, ‘you should join Blue Star Moms,’ and I said, ‘What is that?'” she told Sapulpa Times. “I never knew this group existed, and now I want all the other moms of military to know about them.”
Maynard Flood now serves as the Financial Secretary for the group’s local chapter.
Her hope to expand the group’s awareness to the community is also that of Chapter President Linda Lane. She’s hoping Saturday’s event will be a chance for others to find out more about what the group does. “We just want it to be a fun time, and they can learn about who we are and what we do,” Lane said. “Military mommas are a breed of their own—we are a sisterhood like no other, and I hope we can reach out to others whom we don’t know yet.”
The group actively works to not only connect the mothers of active duty and veteran members of the United States military, but also to support those members with care packages, much of which is donated by local businesses.
Blue Star Mothers began in January of 1942 when the Flint, Michigan News Advertiser printed a coupon asking mothers of servicemen to fill it out and return. The first 300 responses of what would become Blue Star Mothers officially met at the Durant Hotel in Flint on February 1st. By the time the group reached 1,000 responses, Captain George H. Maines led the group to form a permanent organization. On February 6th, the organization was reported on the congressional record.
Throughout World War 2, the Blue Star Mothers worked in hospitals, train stations, and became a working part of Homeland Security. They sent care packages to deployed soldiers—a service they continue to provide to this day.
Other chapters began to form in Michigan, then Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania and more. In June of 1960, the organization was officially chartered by Congress.
The local chapter began in January of 2005 in Mounds, Oklahoma. Charter members included Judy Medlock, Maudie Gambler, Kala Harbeston, Cindy Lister and Linda Lane. When the building they were meeting in went up for sale in Mounds, they moved into Sapulpa and have remained ever since.
Lane has begun actively promoting the group online and to other organizations, which led to their connection with First United Bank. “We’ve been stagnant for too long!” she laughed.
First United Bank offers a donation box available for anyone who takes items from their “Spend Life Wisely” table, which includes drinks, snacks, books, and other resources for those looking to learn how to be more responsible with their financial management. Those who take items are asked to contribute, though it’s not required. The box changes its sponsorship regularly.
On Friday, August 15th, First United Bank presented Blue Star Moms with the proceeds of the donation box—a check for $102. Lane said she was grateful for the assistance that First United Bank had offered the group, saying that the contribution goes a long way in support of the troops.
Those who are interested in supporting Blue Star Mothers can make a one-time donation here.
