Cherokee Nation Businesses contributes $20K to Angels of the Cherokee
TULSA, Okla. – Cherokee Nation Businesses and its employees are once again helping make the holidays a little brighter for thousands of children in northeast Oklahoma by supporting the Angels of the Cherokee.
“We strive to have a giving heart every day, but this time of year magnifies just how important it is to give back to our community and our people. By generously ensuring gifts are delivered to smiling Cherokee kids, Cherokee Nation Businesses is making wishes come true,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “When our youngest and neediest citizens can experience a memorable Christmas, then we are all truly blessed. That’s the life-affirming mission of this effort: to provide for others in need.”
Employees adopted hundreds of angels, and the company is contributing $20,000 to help fulfill unmet needs for some children this Christmas.
“We are very excited to support the Angels of the Cherokee,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We take great pride in helping the children in our communities in many ways, but it is especially heartwarming to help put smiles on faces this Christmas.”
CNB’s contribution helps the tribe’s holiday effort by providing gifts for children who might otherwise go without.
In addition to the monetary contribution, employees have made adopting angels from the tree an annual tradition. Cherokee Nation and CNB employees have personally adopted angels from the tribe’s annual program for eight consecutive years.
“Cherokee Nation entities and employees provide our largest donations throughout the year,” said Brandy Lemley, Angels of the Cherokee coordinator. “These donations ensure that all of our angels, even ones not adopted from the trees, will receive gifts.”
Departments throughout Cherokee Nation and CNB collect and donate essential items, such as clothing and winter apparel, in addition to toys. Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s Hotel Services department raised $2000 and adopted 16 angels this year alone.
Children whose parents and caregivers applied for participation in the program are represented anonymously as angel ornaments on Christmas trees located in Cherokee Nation facilities. In 2012, more than 2,100 children received gifts such as clothes, toys, games and more through the program.
The Angels of the Cherokee program assists Cherokee children who fall under low-income guidelines and reside within the 14-county tribal jurisdiction. The annual effort has successfully helped disadvantaged children for more than a decade.
