OKMULGEE, Okla. – For the past few years Este Emetv, the Giving to People Committee, has served College of Muscogee Nation students by providing basic living essentials including clothing, toiletries, food, and school supplies. Throughout the year the committee collects donations and requests specific items each month. For the month of June the committee is requesting food gift cards.
CMN Case Manager/Title IX Coordinator Lisa Bear (Mvskoke/Choctaw) serves as the Este Emetv Committee Chair. The committee’s name came from CMN Regents Director of Institutional Effectiveness Dr. James King Ed. D. According to Bear, the committee has come a long way over the years.
“Over the years it got bigger but needed more structure. That’s when it became a committee within the college.” Bear said.
The committee was founded by CMN security officers with the mission to help students. They opened a small store where students could walk through, grab what items they needed and not have to pay anything for them. Although the mission remains the same, most items in the committee’s inventory are purchased rather than donated. Fundraisers held by the committee on campus help fund the store and collect donations. According to Bear, this has helped the image of CMN security on campus, showing they are not just there to enforce the rules, but also to help.
“They are really, really good officers, really attentive, they really do care about our students and their safety. I think it (the relationship between officers and students) has improved.” Bear said.
Items the committee takes in includes shoes, blankets, and pillows. They also take in winter wear like hoodies, socks, jackets, gloves, hats and scarves.
Este Emetv’s mission statement is clear: students in need are a priority. The statement reads:
The Este Emetv (Giving to People) Committee was established by our College of the Muscogee Nation Security Officers to provide support to students during their academic journey. The assistance provided by this diverse group of caring individuals embodies one common goal: to support our students as they navigate through their higher education journey, ensuring that no student goes without basic essentials. Este Emetv offers not only mentorship and guidance but also free supplies and resources including personal, school, food, hygiene, clothing, bedding, dorm room supplies, or appliances.
Although the day of giving is a singular event, CMN also has a health-shelf and food pantry available for students throughout the year. This is in collaboration with Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology’s food pantry, Pete’s Pantry.
Bear says the committee’s greatest need at the moment is toilet paper. Laundry detergent and sheets are also a need for students who use the campus laundry room.
The committee is unable to accept cash donations because it is funded by CMN. Donations can be dropped off at CMN located at 2170 Raven Circle.
For further questions on how to donate to the Este Emetv, contact Bear at 918-549-2821, or by email at Health@CMN.edu. To stay up to date on events follow their Facebook page, College of the Muscogee Nation.
