Volunteer Work Put Final Touches on Community Center on Cherokee Nation

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Native Brief: SALLISAW, OKLAHOMA - Community members and Cherokee Nation Entertainment employees have joined forces to put the final touches on the Brent Community Center in Sequoyah County. The community center will be home to activities for seniors and youth, community gatherings and training programs.

Volunteers Worked more than 220 hours

“The volunteers here today are a blessing and bring new life to the project,”

said Craig Calhoun, board member of the Brent community.

"The purpose is to get the community involved and bring the community together."

More than a year ago, the community raised $9,000 to purchase a plot of land to build the new center. With a grant and technical support from the Cherokee Nation, the community was able to construct the gathering place.

"By helping with this building we are helping bring the community together, which will make the community stronger,"

said Tonya Roop, general manager of Cherokee Casino Sallisaw and Roland.

"This is a part of our community and we are grateful to lend a helping hand."

Volunteers worked more than 220 hours, helping with painting, ceiling tile installation, trim work and appliance installation. Calhoun said with the boost in volunteer support the building will be complete within 45 days.

In addition to the regular volunteerism of its employees, Cherokee Nation Entertainment contributed more than $40,000 in 2011 to benefit area organizations, including Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce; Sallisaw Tourism Information Center; Sallisaw Lions Club; Sallisaw Main Street Association; Marble City Historical Society; Marble City Community and Youth Services, Inc.; Muldrow Friends of the Library; Muldrow Lions Club; Roland Chamber of Commerce and Roland Public Schools.

posted January 30, 2012 6:00 am est