Atoka council approves Out of Darkness community walk for Sept. 13, 2025

The Atoka City Council approved a request from organizer Corley McCallis to hold an Out of Darkness community walk on Sept. 13, 2025, at the Atoka Sports Complex, council records show.

McCallis told the council the walk raises funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and provides local education and resources. "For the last 3 years, we've done really well in fundraising and making over 10,000 every year to put towards the AFSP," McCallis said, describing past local results and national growth in campus and community walks.

She described event logistics: an 8 p.m. start time, pre-event registration, use of lights around the complex (with an initial dark lap like prior years), booths from about 21 confirmed participating agencies, and use of the splash pad area and parking lot (splash pad to be available until 9 p.m.). McCallis said the format mirrored successful prior-year events and that organizers coordinate with schools and other local groups.

Councilmember comments praised the effort and approved the event, subject to staff checking for schedule conflicts with other activities at the complex. Council approved the request by roll call vote with all members present voting in favor.

Why it matters: The event is a community fundraising and mental-health-awareness activity that organizers say provides educational resources and local support networks.

Details and follow-up: Staff will confirm the complex schedule and coordinate use of lighting, parking and the splash pad for the evening of Sept. 13, 2025.