TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Over 3,000 angels are ready to be adopted as part of the 2023 Cherokee Nation Angel Project that kicked off on Tuesday.
The project will provide items like clothing, toys and other holiday needs for Cherokee children across the 14-county reservation.
Joined by the Cherokee National Youth Choir, Miss Cherokee Keeliegh Sanders, Junior Miss Cherokee Addison Rouse and the Little Cherokee Ambassadors, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner kicked off the annual program and thanked everyone for their generous participation in the Cherokee Nation Angel Project.
“We have been talking about Cherokee goodness for a while, and this event today is the greatest example of that goodness. We have gathered here to help make Christmas brighter for Cherokee children that are in need,” said Hoskin. “This program makes such an impact, not only for these angels but their families as well.”
Each ornament on the tree represents a Cherokee child in the community. According to Cherokee Nation Angel Project Coordinator Sally Wilson, the Angel Project could mean a difference in Christmas for these children, ranging in age from infant to 16 years old.
"These children are living with either a guardian or a family member that meets the federal income guidelines, which means many of these families don't have extra funds for Christmas gifts," said Wilson. "This year we have made it easier than ever to adopt angels by having them completely online. It is so important and appreciated when people are able to contribute to these families during the holiday season."
In addition to Christmas toys, the Angel Project often provides families with items like bedding and winter clothing. Last year, the project sponsored nearly 2,500 children.
Interested individuals can request an angel through the Gadugi Portal, to adopt an angel please visit https://gadugiportal.cherokee.org/s/angel-sponsorship and follow the directions listed. All donations are to be returned unwrapped to drop-off locations by Dec. 6.
Tax-free monetary donations to help buy gifts for the Angel Project children can be made to the Cherokee Nation at www.cherokee.org. Look for the "Giving to the Cherokee Nation" box at the bottom of the home page.
For more information about the Cherokee Nation Angel Project, call 918-458-6900.