Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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SALLISAW, OK - The employees of the Redbird Smith Health Center have been very busy lately helping out in the community.

In October, clinic employees raised more than $300 for the March of Dimes with an Indian Taco lunch. In November, employees donated more than $200 for a Thanksgiving Food Drive, as well as donations of non-perishable foods. Thanks to their efforts, as well as help from Marvin’s Food Warehouse and Mrs. Smith’s Bakery, more than 30 needy Cherokee families in Sequoyah County received full Thanksgiving dinners.

Recently, the employees hosted an All-You-Can-Eat Frito Chili Pie lunch, raising more than $100 for the local high school sophomore Christmas dance. Admission to the dance was a new toy, and the toys were donated back to the clinic staff for distribution to Indian children who may otherwise not have had a gift at Christmas.

The projects have kept the clinic staff busy, not to mention their bellies full. The Cherokee Nation Healthy Nation program sponsored the fundraisers, and employee participation ensured the success of the projects.

"I want to commend Rachel Bailey and Linda Teague for their creativity and hard work that made these projects a success," said Buddy Holt, clinic director. "I feel that both these employees, along with others, deserve more recognition for the jobs they do."