Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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Cherokee Nation employees and Angel Tree volunteers Hettie Charbonneau, Shannon Chesser and Brandy Lemley receive a $20,000 donation from Principal Chief Chad Smith and CNE President and CEO David Stewart. Cherokee Nation employees and Angel Tree volunteers Sandy Long and Mary Mead also assist in the effort to provide gifts for area children at Christmas.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The 2002 Cherokee Nation Angel Tree project was a big success thanks to Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE), Cherokee Nation employees and community members. Private citizens and tribal employees pitched in to provide Christmas gifts for more than 730 children.

"We're especially thankful to Cherokee Nation Enterprises for their donation of $20,000," said Hettie Charbonneau, Cherokee Nation Angel Tree co-chair. "The money they send us each year really helps us. We're able to give these children the things that they asked for, and that's important."

"Every kid deserves the joy of unwrapping a new toy at Christmas," said David Stewart, president and CEO of CNE. "Our employees took the initiative by adopting angels and we made our annual donation in the spirit of the holidays. We just want everyone to have a Merry Christmas."

While the economic slow-down has hurt many retailers this Christmas season, the local retailers made donations of live Christmas trees, wrapping paper and gifts.

"This is the one time each year when the whole community works together," said Brandy Lemley, co-chair. "It's not only personally rewarding, but it's also fun."

Cherokee Nation employees volunteered many hours shopping for gifts, wrapping and delivering presents. According the Shannon Chesser, the Christmas spirit continues to grow each year.

"I have been doing this for several years and I am always amazed at the support we receive," Chesser said. "People unselfishly make Christmas wonderful for those less fortunate than themselves. It's so rewarding to look on the faces of those who buy the gifts, as well as those children that receive them."

"I'm thankful for Cherokee Nation and their commitment to children during this time of the year," said Charbonneau. "Each day we see the true meaning of Christmas."