Oklahoma girl raises funds to bring homeless to state fair

TULSA, Okla. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) – An Oklahoma fourth grader is on a mission to bring joy to those less fortunate than herself by raising money to provide a day of fun at the Tulsa State Fair for some of the most vulnerable. .

Lyla Thomas loves the Tulsa State Fair because it’s a family tradition.

In 2023, Lyla created “Fair Share”, a program to take in Tulans experiencing homelessness.

The idea came when the now fourth-grader saw a group living on the streets and asked her mother about it.

“And then, I asked if they experienced joy, and she said, ‘Yes, but maybe not the way we do,’” Lyla said.

She’s teaming up with Oklahoma’s City Lights Foundation, an outreach organization that started in 2013 from the idea of ​​another young person, executive director Sarah Grounds’ then-eight-year-old son.

“He didn’t want a birthday party. He wanted to go out with his friends and feed people, talk to people, spend time with them,” Ground explained.

Every Thursday, the downtown bridge is transformed into a resource center offering everything from haircuts to a hot meal.

In addition to the Night Light program, City Lights has expanded into housing and other programs. Grounds says staff and volunteers will accompany select fairgoers.

“We know a lot of our friends are struggling every day, so to be able to take a moment and take them to a place that’s joyful and give them an experience that maybe some haven’t had— never,” expressed Grounds. .

Sharing the bargain when life isn’t always. and a girl learning the ultimate thrill, compassion, extends far beyond 11 days of awesome.

“I wanted to see them smile and it made me smile too,” Lyla added.

Last year, Lyla had seven guests. This year, she would like to raise $5,000 and take 30 guests. The fair donates the tickets and the money raised goes towards the fun.