"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Angel Tree Kicks Off Next Week

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - The holidays are upon us and Cherokee Nation is encouraging community members to come out and participate in its annual Angel Tree program. The kick-off event for the public to come and select angels from the tree will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the tribal complex in Tahlequah.

“The purpose of the Angel Tree is to assure that Cherokee children have a gift at Christmas so they do not miss the excitement and joy of the season,” said Norma Merriman, Cherokee NationHuman Services Group Leader. “The Angel Tree program was started some years ago when it became apparent that there were a significant number of our families who did not have the resources to provide gifts for their children.” The program is set up to allow the public to anonymously give toys and gifts to low income Native American children that might not otherwise have presents this Christmas.

Last year through the Angel Tree program, the Cherokee Nation was able to provide 1,500 area children with Christmas gifts and program officials say they hope to give even more this holiday season. This year, because of the economic downturn, many families are expected to be challenged financially during the holidays. Because of that, tribal officials expect an increase in applications, even from families who have never needed help in the past.

“We hope that those who can will remember the reason for the season and remember to take at least one angel, and more if possible,” said Merriman.

For more information or to find out how you can participate in the Cherokee Nation’s Angel Tree program, please contact Brandy Lemley, phone: 918-266-5626 (ext.7730).