By Morgan Taylor, Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Veteran Affairs Service Office (VASO) partnered with the MCN Children and Family Services Administration (CFSA) to benefit the annual Angel Tree Project.
An online silent auction was held by MCN VASO. The funds received from the auction will help provide gifts to the MCN CFSA Angel Tree Project.
The Angel Tree Project helps provides gifts for Muscogee children that are in MCN CFSA programs and tribal custody.
Representatives from CFSA have reported a hundred children or “angels” this year in the Angel Tree Program.
According to the MCN VASO Director Kellan Bible he believes this is one of the first times the two departments have partnered together to help raise funds for a similar effort.
The auction opened on Nov. 3 and concluded on Nov. 20 with a positive response.
“We raised more money than we had anticipated initially,” Bible said.
The auction items included various historical flags including the MCN tribal flag, the MCN VASO flag, different branches of service, and other unique flags.
“Some of these flags were unique in that you don’t see them around a whole lot,” Bible said. “These were things I thought would grab interest because some of them were very distinct.”
In total, the auction raised $985 that will provide for the children participating in the Angel Tree Project.
“This was kind of an experiment to see what kind of response we could get,” Bible said. “This is why I kept this internal and simple. Now that I know the outcome, and it has been incredibly positive, next time we will probably open up to the general public and I think it will make even more money for the next cause.”
The highest bid that was received on a single item was $125.
“I just want to express my gratitude to Principal Chief Hill, Second Chief Del Beaver, the National Council, College of Muscogee Nation, Lighthorse Police Department, Judge Bigler, the Cultural Center of Archives, the Children and Family Services Administration, Public Relations, and all the bidders,” Bible said. “I think this was a very positive display of support to make sure our kids are taken care of.”
Those interested in adopting an Angel or donating to the Angel Tree Project can contact the MCN CFSA at 918-732-7869.
