Cherokee Nation Angel Tree Gives Children a Brighter Christmas

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - You can make a child's Christmas brighter this year by adopting an angel from the Cherokee Nation Angel Tree. Angels are available to adopt from trees located at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex and at W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah through Monday, December 12.

Cherokee Nation Angel Tree has 1,500 Angels to Adopt

The Angel Tree is a charitable Christmas program that has become an annual tradition. Children who are in need and would otherwise go without Christmas gifts are given a happy holiday by people generous enough to adopt "angels" through the program each year. Each angel ornament on the tree represents a needy child in the community and contains information about the Christmas wish list of that child.

Angel adopters agree to buy their sponsored child items from the wish list and bring the unwrapped presents to the drop site at the Cherokee First Information Center in the main tribal complex by Monday, Dec. 12. Workers with the tribe's Human Services programs will ensure that the presents are delivered in time for Christmas.

“Last year we had a little over 1,500 children on the tree and we expect to grow again this year,”

said Brandy Lemley, Cherokee Nation Angel Tree coordinator. "The Angel Tree is an important project because it’s the Cherokee communities coming together to help less fortunate families and it would not be possible without everyone's generosity."

People generous enough to adopt more than one angel are welcome to do so. Those who want to give but do not have the resources to provide everything on an angel's wish list are encouraged to donate whatever they can afford. Lemley says the biggest need this year is underwear and socks for boys and girls in all sizes. Donation bins are located next to the Angel Tree in the main complex.

"The employees, the tribe and the community have done so well and so much with the Angel Tree that it just gets bigger and bigger every year," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. "We've got so many kids, not only in our custody but all over the Cherokee Nation, that would not have a gift if it weren't for all of their hard work. This is a program I believe in and I appreciate everyone's generosity."

posted December 1, 2011 7:50 am est