Flooding Forces Evacuation at Boys & Girls Club of Sequoyah County

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - Tuesday started like any other summer day at the Boys & Girls Club of Sequoyah County, but it quickly turned into an unforgettable one. Although it was scheduled to be “Water Day,” staff and students were met with an entirely different kind of water.

Rain began shortly after the club opened, and by 9:30 a.m., water levels were nearing the classroom doors. Within 20 minutes, the building was forced to close and shortly after evacuated due to rapidly rising floodwaters.

“We’ve seen flooding here before, even in a classroom or two, but nothing like what we saw today,” said Club CEO Laura Kuykendall.

Thanks to the swift and selfless actions of City of Sallisaw employees, the Sallisaw Fire Department, Sallisaw Police Department, Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, and many incredible parents, all children and staff were safely moved to higher ground.

“We’re so thankful and full of gratitude. It’s always an adventure at the Boys & Girls Club, and today was no exception,” Kuykendall said.

The facility sustained significant damage, with an estimated foot to foot-and-a-half of water throughout the building. Many of the Club’s games, educational materials, furniture, and structural components were left damaged or unsalvageable.

The Boys and Girls Club of Sequoyah County will remain closed for the remainder of the week and possibly longer, depending on how the clean-up efforts go. Crews will begin working on Wednesday morning to remove water, assess damage, and restore what can be salvaged.

Despite the loss, the Club remains hopeful. “No one was hurt, and once again our community stepped in when we needed them the most,” said Kuykendall. “Our Club kids are our number one priority, and today, our staff and community showed who they are. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Those who wish to assist the club through monetary donations can do so by going to the Boys and Girls Club of Sequoyah County website at https://www.bgcseq.org/s/ and clicking on the green donate now button.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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