12&12 Day Donations Help Those Overcoming Addiction

Sarah Christian’s addictions began during graduate school at TU and continued off and on for eight years. Like many addicts, Sarah went into treatment only to relapse a few months later.

Sarah Christian

“While I did relapse,” she says, “the skills I learned in rehab helped me to ultimately pull out of the downward spiral of addiction.”

Sarah’s family and friends held an intervention for her, and she credits them for never giving up on her, even when she was at her worst. “My family is the sole reason why I am here today,” she says.

As a mom, she says her children were too young to know what was going on in her life, and her pregnancies kept her sober during those years.

“After my children were born, I thought I had things under control. I didn’t. I began the spiral all over again until I finally hit my rock bottom a couple years after my youngest was born.”

Sarah advises those who have loved ones suffering from addiction to keep loving that person.

“They are still in there, but the addiction is just disguising that person as someone else,” she says. “I want those who are struggling to know there is a different way of life out there for them. There is hope.”

Providing hope and support for individuals suffering from addiction can be difficult, but community resources such as 12&12, Inc. in Tulsa can give people like Sarah a new life.

Mental health problems and substance abuse have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a White House drug policy study, there was an 11 percent increase in opioid fatalities in the first four months of 2020. Alcohol purchases, both in person and online, have skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic.

To provide support and to raise awareness about 12&12, Inc.’s mission, Jen Kerckhoff created 12&12 Day two years ago. The community is invited to drop off items from the list below or a $12 check at one of the listed businesses. The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. with an additional day on Friday, Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monetary donations are also accepted at 12and12.org/donate.

“12&12 Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the effects of addiction and learn how 12&12, Inc. is impacting our community in this battle,” Kerckhoff said.

Kerckhoff said that Kiddlestix Toy Store was the first store to volunteer to be a drop-off location for donations. So, while you’re out shopping local for toys and stocking stuffers for the kids on your list, pick an item or two from the 12&12 Most Needed Items list and donate to a worthy cause.

“We are always happy to be a 12&12 drop-off location,” said Jana Doyle, who owns Kiddlestix with her husband, Chuck. “We want to help make it as convenient as possible for Tulsans to be able to donate items to the organization. It’s important for the community to come together and support each other year round.”

Kiddlestix has a box located just inside the door for customers to drop off items. Doyle says that they will also come to customers’ cars to take items for those who prefer not to come inside.

Besides the drop-off locations, other businesses are contributing to the cause. OK Cookie Momster is donating all proceeds from their 12&12 Day cookies and cakes. Tori Johnston Styling is donating all proceeds from product sales and appointments on 12&12 Day, and artist Samantha Jezek is donating a painting that she is auctioning via her Instagram page, @s_jezek3.

12 Most Needed Items:

All of the below items are needed for both men and women

1. Shoes
2. Socks
3. Board Games
4. Jackets
5. Hoodies
6. Hats
7. Underwear
8. Toiletries
9. Playing cards
10. Puzzles
11. Gloves
12. Books

Drop-Off Locations:

• Kiddlestix, 3815 S. Harvard, Tulsa
• Luxe Furniture & Design, 10545 S. Memorial, Bixby
• Chris Lile – State Farm, 3820 E. 51^st St., Tulsa
• HCS Roofing & Restoration, 2108 N. Willow Ave., Broken Arrow
• The Root Coworking Space, 110 S. Hartford Ave., Suite 250, Tulsa
• Greenhouse Clothing, 6129 E. 31^st St., Tulsa
• Fox + Allen Realty, 1345 E. 15^th St., Tulsa
• 12&12, 6333 E. Skelly Dr., Tulsa; you may drop off outside any time. Contact-free drop off will be available on Fri. and Sat., Dec. 11-12.