Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The 2001 Cherokee Nation Angel Tree could almost double the number of Indian children served last Christmas. The Angel Tree, a volunteer project of the Cherokee Nation, provides Christmas gifts to Indian children living within the 14 county jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation.

According to Labrandia Lemley, Angel Tree Chairman, more than 800 children are expected to participate this year.

"Each year our numbers grow", Lemley said. "Last year we gave presents to 567 children that might have received little or no gifts. We have been fortunate in past years that many people and organizations have been generous with their donations."

Donations, however, are considerably lower this year because many of those that contributed last year are donating to September 11 relief efforts.

"Last year we received more than $26,000 in donations", Lemley said. "To date, our only help has come from employees who have taken an angel off the Angel Tree and even those numbers are lower than normal."

The Angel Tree is located in the lobby of the Cherokee Nation Complex and is decorated with paper angels bearing names and gift ideas of participating children. To be eligible to participate, the child must be 17 years old and younger, have a Certified Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card, live within the Cherokee Nation boundaries, and meet minimum, federal income guidelines. The head of household can make application for each child at the Cherokee Nation Complex. Applications will be accepted through December 10, 2001.

Employees and community members are encouraged to take an angel from the tree and purchase whatever they can afford for the selected child. The attached label must be filled out and placed in the box beside the tree so that the Nation has a record of the name of the person buying gifts, as well as the selected child. Gifts should be returned to the Angel Tree office by Monday, December 17, 2001.

According to Principal Chief Smith, the Angel Tree project is one of the most rewarding in the Cherokee Nation.

"Last year, I was able to take several children shopping at Wal Mart", Smith said. "The joy on their faces was better than any present I could ever receive. Sometimes we get so busy with the activities of Christmas, that we forget the spirit of Christmas. Bringing joy to children is what Christmas is all about."

Donations can be made at the Cherokee Nation Angel Tree office. Donations will be used to purchase gifts for children who are not selected from the tree. For more information on the program, and/or to find out how donations can be made without physically being there, contact Labrandia Lemley, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2253).