Reed Marcum, a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, will be hosting the 2024 Michael Miller Book Bag Giveaway, a massive annual charity event timed to the back-to-school season.
Supported by The Sergeant Miles Tarron and Hudson Strong Foundation, the giveaway – now in its ninth year – will distribute more than 6,000 book bags packed with school supplies to students and families from Reed’s hometown of McAlester and beyond, including across Oklahoma and surrounding states. This is one of the largest events of its kind in the region. Children do not have to be from the McAlester community to receive a backpack. While there are no income guidelines for the giveaway, a child must be present in order to receive a backpack.
Marcum is a 2024 National 4-H Council Youth in Action winner. The Book Bag Giveaway is in conjunction with his 4-H Youth in Action annual service project.
The Book Bag Giveaway is an extension of Marcum’s work to address the needs of the McAlester community. The event will honor Hudson Campbell, Kennia Mattioda, Mrs. Donna Curry, Mrs. Leann Yandell, Ms. Becky Weeks, Danny Kelly MPD and SGT. Miles Tarron. Water will be distributed by McAlester Pepsi, and back-to-school immunizations will be provided by the Pittsburg County Health Department.
Since 2016, Reed has also organized an annual 4-H Toy Giveaway. During last year’s toy drive, cars lined up for over three miles near the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester and Marcum distributed more than 10,000 toys to children and families in need across Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas for the holidays. Marcum, flanked by more than 100 volunteers, provided toys, clothing, candy and holiday cheer to families and community members waiting in the vehicle line.
In 2023, Reed was named a recipient of the 2024 4-H Youth in Action Awards for his community-centered projects in 4-H that have collectively raised more than $3.5 million in funds and donated items. Launched in 2010, the Youth in Action Awards recognizes 4-H’ers who have applied the knowledge gained in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their communities. As a national winner, Marcum received a $5,000 higher education scholarship and has had opportunities to showcase his story nationally, develop professional skills and network with prominent 4-H alumni.
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