Project Elf in Tulsa aims to provide basics without fanfare

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Jul 31, 2008 by Heather Caliendo

Terri Hozhabri watched a car pull up in her driveway. Moments later four sacks were on her front porch signaling one thing: An elf was there.

Hozhabri and Laurie Tilley started the nonprofit Project Elf to provide the basics for school children and strengthen the foundation of the community.

Terri said they got the idea to start an organization after talking about the many stories they heard of Tulsa children not fitting into shoes or having a suitable jacket for winter.

The women were ready to make a difference, but without the fanfare or chaos that some organizations can bring.

"We tried to think of something that was a helper, a secret helper - we didn't want to make a big production out of it," said Hozhabri.

The image of elves sprung to mind and Project Elf was born.

In four years the organization has grown to more than 350 volunteers and works with 40 schools. Unlike some organizations, Project Elf doesn't require its members to be present at meetings; volunteers correspond strictly through e-mail.

When Hozhabri and Tilley get tipped on a need for a blanket or school supplies they send an e-mail to their volunteer list, get responses and arrange pickup and delivery.

"It's a place to call if a child doesn't have a coat - it's so easy, there's no red tape and it can be taken care of very quickly," said Hozhabri. "It feels more personal, one-to-one, where it's someone having the need and knowing it's being fulfilled."

Hozhabri said the organization is not about keeping track of what volunteers are contributing. Project Elf doesn't require a minimum amount to donate or time spent.

Though there are no formal meetings, elves come together to host drives and collect items. A board was eventually established and every so often an open house is held at Project Elf headquarters so volunteers know what is going on behind the scenes.

Originally Project Elf was to provide for only elementary school students, but Hozhabri said they expanded to serve middle and high school students because those can be overlooked by other organizations.

Tilley said they are sure to check the quality of donated necessities.

"One of the things is that we want to level the playing field as much as we can and provide the same opportunities for every child," she said.

"We get called to fill in the gaps when there isn't a quick natural place."

Within a year of starting, the women got several calls from interested parties who wanted to start similar programs in their communities.

Programs in Alaska, Michigan and New York use the Project Elf format, and Hozhabri said they will help anyone start one as long as they don't use the name Project Elf.

Neither woman is interested in taking their program national, wanting instead to continue their focus on Tulsa.

QuikTrip Corp. recently donated $2,500 to Project Elf, which was used to pay for field trips for five Tulsa middle schools.

Ebony Johnson, principal at Academy Central Elementary School, said when she was introduced to Project Elf she felt like it was Christmas for the students.

"Between 12 and 13 kids received backpacks with so many supplies the kids literally had to have help to carry them because their bodies are so little," she said.

Johnson said she appreciates that Project Elf is immediate and does not require a lot of paperwork. The effect is immediate, she said.

"I take it very seriously and I know the impact on the child," she said.

"We realize that the women do it because they care not that they get anything but a thank you or a smile. I attempted to have an assembly for them but they said no, the elves won't be there."