Board & Staff

Christy White is passionate about bringing people together to fight hunger and strengthen the community through compassion, service and collaboration. With a background in nonprofit work, volunteer leadership, marketing, fundraising and community outreach, she believes meaningful change happens when people come together with a shared purpose.

 

Christy studied Organizational Leadership at the University of Oklahoma, building a strong foundation in leadership, organizational development and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has been committed to serving others, building meaningful community partnerships and creating opportunities that make a lasting impact.

 

She believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and that access to nutritious food is essential for thriving communities. As Executive Director, Christy is dedicated to expanding Blessing Baskets’ reach, strengthening its programs and ensuring the organization continues to provide hope and support to families throughout western Canadian County.

Donna Dyer brings a deep commitment to service, relationship-building and community outreach to El Reno Blessing Baskets. Donna joined the organization in March 2015 as its very first employee, embarking on a meaningful new chapter after a 30-plus-year career as a bank Vice President and Director.

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During her banking tenure, she also shared her expertise by attending and teaching classes for the Oklahoma Bankers Association (OBA) at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.  Choosing to follow a new calling after decades in corporate leadership allowed Donna to channel her passion for helping others into a role that also prioritized her family during a season of profound personal change. Joining part-time just nine months after the tragic loss of her 16-year-old grandson, and right around the birth of her first granddaughter, the position provided the perfect balance. As Donna reflects, "I felt the need to do something for others and wanted to spend more time with my family. I loved my banking career, but I felt God leading me to this new venture."

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Since 2015, Donna has successfully turned that divine leading into impactful action. She plays a vital role in fighting local food insecurity by writing grants and coordinating the dedicated volunteer networks that keep the organization thriving. Her long-held dream of seeing Blessing Baskets build a large, grocery-store-style pantry, where neighbors can shop for their families with dignity, has now become a beautiful reality. Donna’s mission is truly a family affair, as her own loved ones frequently stand alongside her to volunteer and support the community she loves.

Makyla Nitzel is passionate about helping those in need and advocating for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Makyla is grateful for this opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to serving individuals and families living in Western Canadian County. Being able to connect people with resources and providing support when they need it the most, is the most rewarding part of her job. 

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She grew up a few miles west of El Reno, in a small, tight-knit community called Calumet. Her family has a fourth-generation farming and ranching operation where they harvest a variety of crops and raise high-quality beef. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in May of 2025. 

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She looks forward to continuing to fulfill the mission of Blessing Baskets and making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.