CSKT employees and others work together to make the season bright

As the New Year approaches, it is important to recognize the efforts of employees who work to make the holiday season brighter for many.

Several Tribal departments take the lead on Christmas efforts like the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD), Early Childhood Services (ECS) and Mission Valley Power.

This week over 400 children were greeted by Santa Claus and his helpers at the Tribal Complex.

Each child received a 3-foot-tall stocking (yes, 3 foot) stuffed with peanuts, popcorn balls, gummy worms, videos, stockings, hats, gloves, and photos with Santa! Parents in attendance were able to select a book to take home to read to their children. Punch and cookies were provided.

Newborn's who visited Santa received baby bags with blankets, toys and a book. More than 150 newborn baby bags were distributed at the Santa Party on December 19t and 20t.

Many of these gifts came from local donations gathered by ECS, DHRD, Share the Spirit, Toys for Tots, and donations from the American Indian Relief Council, as coordinated by DHRD employee, Sylvia Aimsback. More than 700 beautifully wrapped gifts were distributed to children in foster care and to those with limited resources. Most of these gifts are delivered by Tribal Law and Order, DHRD and family case managers who serve as Santa's elves.

All of these efforts by Tribal employees make the lives of our children happier and brighter.

On the evening of December 14, 2007, the same departments hosted a dinner to honor childcare providers, foster care parents, and those employees in DHRD and ECS who provide daily care to our children. Caregivers were honored with dinner, door prizes and disaster preparedness kits. These kits included matches, maps, water, decks of cards, and items to make a response to a disaster easier. Everyone who attended were offered smoke alarms (installed) with 10-year batteries. Over 100 persons were in attendance as caregivers were treated to a lovely dinner and thanked for their good work.

Tribal employees frequently go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver applications, deliver food, and to just generally help out. The Kerr Elderly Program under the direction of Mike Pierre and Arlene Templer worked hard this holiday season to deliver 450 turkeys and all the fixings at Thanksgiving.

For Christmas, the Kerr Elderly Program, along with Ralph Goode's Christmas efforts, provided CD players to Tribal members in rest homes. Lap blankets, candles, shampoo, lotion, baseball caps, body wash and hand cream were also provided. Many Tribal employees contribute on a pay period basis to the Tribes Christmas efforts. These are the silent Santa's who quietly plan for children's wishes, months in advance. The Tribal Education

Department (TED) focuses its efforts on a Christmas Card design contest so the dreams and illustrations of our youth can be published and recognized for years to come.

The danger in recognizing the efforts of many is someone will inadvertently be left out. There are so many kindnesses they could fill the entire newspaper. The Tribal Council recognizes that the efforts of many are what make CSKT a great, kind and caring nation.

And if you need a smoke alarm, call Jeanne Christopher or Marlene Roverick at 675-2700 ext. 6112. Marlene will come to your home and install it.

Tribal employees will continue work hard to brighten the lives of many.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from the Tribal Council.