Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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CATOOSA, OKLAHOMA - Bring a toy, win big cash. That’s the theory behind Cherokee Casino’s latest effort to make Christmas a little better for youngsters in northeastern Oklahoma.

From Dec. 7-19, casino customers receive an entry form to win one of five $100 cash prizes for every new, unwrapped toy item they donate. The toys should be brought to the Cherokee Casino at I-44 and 193rd East Avenue in Tulsa.

"There are few feelings better than watching a young child’s eyes light up on Christmas morning", said David Stewart, President and CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE), which operates Cherokee Casinos. "We wanted to give our customers a chance to give kids a good Christmas."

Toy donations go to the Cherokee Nation Child Welfare Services and given to children who have been taken out of their homes prior to being placed in a foster home.

The drawings take place on Dec.19 at 8 p.m. Participants must be present to win.

CNE is a tribally owned corporation of the Cherokee Nation. CNE's income is paid to the Cherokee Nation in the form of a dividend. In the past year, CNE has paid more than $9 million in dividends to the Cherokee Nation. That money is used to help fund tribal health, education and housing programs.

CNE operates the Cherokee Casinos, Cherokee Outpost Convenience stores, Cherokee retail tobacco shops, the Cherokee Gift Shop and the Cherokee Hills golf course in Catoosa. CNE employs more than 1,000 people throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Cherokee Casino in Catoosa employs approximately 400 people.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org