MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Fort Gibson

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December 31, 2009

Young patients get toys for Christmas

Members of the Native American Student Association at Fort Gibson High School brought some early Christmas cheer to several young patients at Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital with the delivery of nearly 100 stuffed animals to give to youngsters staying at the hospital this Christmas and into the new year. The toys will be given to the pediatrics department and to the nursery.

“The magic of Christmas clearly has been demonstrated by this kind act on the part of the students at Fort Gibson. The pediatric department is both inspired and humbled by their kind actions,” said Dr. James A. Lewis, chief of pediatrics for Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital.

This is the fourth year students from the group have donated the toys to the hospital. Kaytlyn Gillian, a junior and president of the group, said she enjoys being involved and having the opportunity to help others.

“I am very proud of my Cherokee heritage, and I love learning about Cherokee culture,” Gillian said. “I am glad that the group I am involved with comes here to Hastings each year.”

The group has an objective to promote scholastic and social development of the American Indian student and the exchange of ideas and traditions between the members and the community.

In addition, the group studies cultural and traditional background of Native American heritage and informs students in the Fort Gibson Public School system about their cultures and their histories.

“The kids are always excited to come here and see the children, especially the newborns,” said Gayle Piester, sponsor for the club. “Lots of them come from various backgrounds, and when they see families struggling they think more about their own perspective on life.

“In the past, some have even entered the medical field because of their trips here.”

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