Unique school helps preschool kids

TULSA - At the Happy Hands Education Center, donations and volunteers make all the difference.

Volunteers like Linda Richmond, who's given of her time every week for ten years.

She works nights, so during the day, Linda helps nurture the 50 children here, those who are hard of hearing or have other special needs.

"I see kids that are loved, I see kids that grow, we have some kids here, now, when they first started, they never walked and now they're walking and starting to show communication, it's like you just want to see how are they going to turn out."

We also met Lilly. She's been a Happy Hands student since she was two.

Her mom says Lily had several ear infections growing up, which led to her hearing loss, and speech issues.
Cindy can't imagine the last few years without Happy Hands.

"Happy Hands is a family, a support system, and education center, it's like a second home."

The center's director says it's rare to find a place like this for preschool children with hearing loss and other issues.

Jan Pride says they have space for another 20 kids, but not the money or volunteers.

It pains her to give the news to those families on the long waiting list.

"It breaks my heart, it really does, that's the hardest part of my job."

So Happy Hands needs more donations, more volunteers, to help make even a bigger difference.

"You become a family here, when one person hurts, the other people hurt with you. Even though I'm a volunteer, even though I'm just a helper, they treat me like I'm one of them, it's fantastic."

Everyone here is convinced, Happy Hands lead to happy hearts.

If you'd like to help by donating or volunteering, you can contact the Happy Hands Education Center at 918-893-4800 or  www.happyhands.org.