"Warmth of Love" Coat Drive slated for Keetoowah Cherokee Members

The United Keetoowah Band Indian Child Welfare and Tribal Victims Assistance programs will host a "Warmth of Love" coat drive beginning November 5 to December 7. The ICW and TVA staff are asking the public to donate new or used coats, caps, gloves, scarves or blankets. All clothing items and blankets will go to the clients of ICW and TVA. The staff requests that any used items donated must be clean. The items can be dropped off at these designated locations: UKB Administration office, Keetoowah Community Services Center, Keetoowah Cherokee Casino, Family Services Building, Henry Lee Doublehead Child Care Center, Stilwell UKB Sub-Office and Kansas UKB Sub-Office. All items can be placed in boxes provided by the departments at these locations and staff of the ICW and TVA will pick up the clothing items every Friday. All sizes will be accepted, victims include all ages.

The Indian Child Welfare protects Indian Children from separation of Tribal family members, responds to reports of child abuse and neglect as authorized under Public Law 95-608 (the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978) and Public Law 101-630 (the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act). Assist in developing a tribal system to license and regulate Indian foster homes and adoptive homes. Develop and maintain training programs for parents on how to care for children in danger of neglect or abuse. The program also provides legal representation and subsidies, providing financial assistance to foster families.

The Tribal Victims Assistance Program provides support to victims and crisis interventions services for crime victims in the nine-district area. Emphasis is placed on providing safety for victims and witnesses through safety planning activities with individuals seeking assistance from the program. The Advocates also provides accompaniment to criminal justice offices and court proceedings, transportation to and from court, arrange child care for victims attending court hearings and provides counseling to victims in times of grief, physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and depression. Both the ICW and TVA programs provide assistance for the 12,000 members of the United Keetoowah Band Tribe.