Claremore Toys for Tots distributes thousands of toys to families in Rogers, Mayes, and Craig Counties

By Cara Cowan Watts

Cherokee 411

CLAREMORE, Okla. — Volunteers with the Toys for Tots Claremore campaign distributed toys to families Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19 and 20, serving children across Rogers, Mayes and Craig counties.

Pictured from left are Cara Cowan Watts, CEO of Tulsa Pier Drilling, Claremore VFW Commander Frank Whitlock, and Jim Harris, Claremore VFW Head Benefit Advisor.

More than 7,200 toys were distributed during the two-day event at the Claremore Veterans of Foreign Wars post after roughly two dozen volunteers spent seven hours earlier in the week unloading, sorting and stocking 24 tables in preparation for the annual holiday effort.

The local campaign served children from birth through age 18. Families were not required to pre-register. Parents or guardians were asked to present a photo ID and proof of assistance, such as a DHS letter, at the time of pickup. Children were not allowed inside during distribution, and toys were pre-selected by volunteers.

Organizers coordinated distribution updates, volunteer needs, and community information through the Claremore Toys for Tots Facebook page at @claremoretoysfortots.

Local businesses and organizations contributed to the 2025 campaign hosted at the Claremore VFW in Claremore, Oklahoma.

A local small business and Native-owned company, Tulsa Pier Drilling, donated $250 to this year’s efforts. Tulsa Pier Drilling is owned and operated by Cherokee Nation citizen, Cara Cowan Watts, and her husband, Wyandotte Nation citizen, Doug Watts.

“What stands out is the volunteers,” said Cara Cowan Watts. “They give up their time year after year to make sure these kids are cared for.

Kali Clarke, a team member at Tulsa Pier Drilling, has volunteered with the Claremore Toys for Tots campaign for 12 years alongside her parents and worked Friday and Saturday to ensure local families were able to celebrate Christmas with presents for their children.

Campaign organizers said continued community support remains critical each year, particularly for families especially in Craig County. Donations of new, unwrapped toys for older children and teenagers were among the greatest needs this season.