All
children deserve the joy of a bountiful Christmas morning and the experience of
tearing open a gift especially selected and wrapped for them. As a father,
grandfather and now great-grandfather, it is a tradition I never grow tired of
watching. At the Cherokee Nation, we are blessed to have a wonderful program in
place for low-income children that ensures they don’t miss out on that magical
feeling on Christmas morning.
Cherokee
Nation’s Angel Project is gearing up to serve thousands of children in need,
allowing them the special feeling of knowing there is a present waiting under
the Christmas tree for them this holiday season. Last Christmas, almost 2,000
Cherokee children were provided for—kids who might not otherwise have had
anything to celebrate on Christmas morning.
Our
Angel Project started in the early 1990s and has continued to expand each year.
It serves Cherokees 16 and younger who reside within our 14-county tribal
jurisdiction.
The
angel tree stands in the lobby of the main tribal complex in Tahlequah, and the
paper angels hanging on it represent children in our communities. Each ornament
contains a child’s information and his or her Christmas wish list. The
children’s needs range from simple necessities like socks, shoes and coats, to
the fun toys and games little ones enjoy so much. No matter the gift, we know
with your help, we will create a happy holiday memory that will last these
children a lifetime.
I
also want to take this opportunity to thank our generous employees for their
participation in the annual program. Every year, I am amazed at how they pull
together and ensure all the angels are provided for. And for the team of
Cherokee Nation employees who run the Angel Project, it is a massive
undertaking. They coordinate this program during one of the busiest times for
families, while still keeping up with their regular job duties. Wado, Angel
Project staff!
The
Angel Project runs completely on donations with the assistance of the local
community, but it also draws interest far and wide. People throughout the
country often send donations, if they aren’t able to travel here to pick up an
angel in person.
As
Christmas draws closer, please help us make sure that every wish of every angel
is fulfilled. To adopt an angel, visit the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex, 17675 S.
Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and select an angel ornament off the tree.
Presents should be returned unwrapped to our Cherokee FIRST desk in the lobby
by Dec. 7. Our staff will wrap and deliver them anonymously to the angel’s
family. Additionally, if you want to make a financial donation to the Cherokee
Nation Angel Project, please visit www.cherokee.org,
scroll to the bottom and click on “Giving to the Cherokee Nation.” You can
designate “Angel Project” as your intended recipient.
I
encourage each of you to find it in your heart to adopt a Cherokee angel, even
two or three, if you have the means.
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