Sayre has a long history of stepping up when times get hard, and a new local movement is proving that spirit is still alive. A volunteer-driven group called the Sayre Strong Coalition has officially launched, with early organizational support from the Beckham County Health Department, and a mission focused on improving quality of life across the community.
The coalition held its first meeting on Saturday, November 9, at the Sayre Health Department. The room filled quickly as families, retirees, parents, and longtime residents took their seats—proof that people across Sayre are ready for change. Organizers described the atmosphere as hopeful and energized, with neighbors talking openly about challenges, ideas, and ways to help one another.
For many attending, the motivation was simple: they want Sayre to feel like a hometown again, a place where people know each other, look after one another, and take pride in the community they share.
COFFEE & DONUTS: FIRST PUBLIC EVENT ON NOVEMBER 30
The coalition’s first public event is set for Saturday, November 30, starting at 8 a.m. in the Dollar General parking lot, where volunteers will serve free coffee and donuts to anyone who stops by.
The event isn’t a fundraiser or a rally. It’s simply a chance to meet neighbors, shake hands, and spark the kind of conversations that lead to meaningful change.
Organizers said their goal is to “show up first, talk second”— letting the community see action from day one.
BLESSING BOXES: IMMEDIATE HELP, NO QUESTIONS ASKED
One of the coalition’s first initiatives is the installation of Blessing Boxes throughout Sayre—small weatherproof cabinets stocked with canned goods, hygiene items, and other essentials. The boxes will operate on an honor system: “Take what you need, leave what you can.”
These boxes are meant to support anyone, whether temporarily struggling or chronically short on resources. Coalition members emphasized that Sayre has always taken care of its own, and this project continues that tradition.
COMMUNITY CLEANUP TEAMS: HELPING THOSE WHO CAN’T
Another major effort discussed at the meeting was the formation of a Sayre Strong Cleanup Team—groups of volunteers who can mow lawns, trim brush, haul debris, and help residents who are physically unable or financially unable to maintain their property.
The focus is assistance, not enforcement. The goal is to help neighbors stay safe, maintain dignity, and keep Sayre looking its best. Residents expressed strong enthusiasm for cleanup crews, noting that visible improvements often inspire momentum and pride across an entire community.
ADDRESSING SAYRE’S GROWING FERAL CAT POPULATION
Several attendees voiced concerns about the rising number of feral and stray cats around town. The coalition plans to explore humane, community- based solutions, including spay-and-neuter efforts and neighborhood outreach.
The group sees this issue not as an inconvenience, but as a shared responsibility that affects neighborhood health, safety, and quality of life.
LONG-TERM VISION: A COMMUNITY YOUTH & TEEN CENTER
Beyond the short-term projects, the Sayre Strong Coalition has its eye on a much bigger dream: creating a Community Youth and Teen Center in Sayre.
Attendees spoke about the need for a place where teens can spend time safely after school and on weekends—a place built around encouragement, mentorship, and belonging. Early discussions even looked at Route 66-themed names such as: - The Hope Route - The Junction on 66 These ideas reflect the belief that teenagers stand at an important “junction” in life and need supportive places to grow.
Coalition members made clear that this project won’t happen overnight. But each small effort— each Blessing Box installed, each cleanup completed— helps build the momentum needed to make the long-term vision possible.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The Sayre Strong Coalition has launched a Facebook page under the name “Sayre Strong.” Future meeting dates, volunteer opportunities, and project updates will be posted there.
Coalition members say their goal is simple: “If we want a stronger Sayre, it starts with all of us — together.”
