2008 News Updates
NAHA is hard at work providing many programs to the Native American families in need on the Reservations in South Dakota. This is all made possible by our kind and generous donors. Both in 2007 and 2008, NAHA has faced many challenges with the rising cost of fuel. Our donations have fallen off due to the economy, but our trucks continue making food deliveries and, in fact, have increased deliveries. We are proud to say that we have just received our 4th consecutive 4- star rating from www.charitynavigator.org for our financially sound business practices. Please see a copy of their letter below.
In 2007, our Food Distribution program exceeded 4.1 million pounds of food that was distributed to the Rosebud, Pine Ridge, Crow Creek and Lower Brule Reservations in South Dakota. This food helped many Native American families make it through the last 5-7 days of the month. By working with America’s Second Harvest, we are able to procure this food for a fraction of the cost that we would normally have to pay to obtain the food. This is the very same food that you and I purchase in the grocery store. Thank you for making this one our most successful programs!
Our Clothing Program continues to grow each year. Through the many donations from our donors, NAHA was able to distribute 229,456 pounds of clothing in 2007. This is a blessing to the many Native Americans that struggle to make ends meet each month. Currently, our Wal-Mart program is underway providing clothing for the Native American children who otherwise might not be able to attend school due to the weather. Please continue to ship your “gently used” clothing to us. You may send these items to 12085 Quaal Rd., Black Hawk, SD 57718.
Our “Project Preserve” program has been very successful. This program provides nutritious meals for school children, the homeless and senior citizens by providing a backpack with food to last through the weekend. Many of our generous donors have signed up to become monthly contributors to this program and many more donated gifts to help us get this program off the ground. Thank you for helping us start this new program that will benefit so many people.
Again, many thanks to all of our donors who supplied “Santa” with the toys last year. We actually were able to deliver semis of toys to the Reservations for children who otherwise would have had to go without. The joy that the toys provided to the Native American children warmed our hearts and we wanted to share this with you. The letter below is from Toni Wells, Director of the Lower Brule Tribal Planning Department.
Below are pictures of food boxes that are prepared and sent to the reservations and clothing that help many Native Americans survive the daily hardships of reservation life.
The pictures above are only a few of the items that NAHA delivers to the reservations. With so many Native Americans living below the poverty level, without the help from NAHA and our donors, many would have nothing to eat for several days at the end of the month. Also, clothing, personal and household items received from Gifts In Kind are greatly appreciated by the Native Americans.
You may wish to visit our charts on the Internet home page and you can see our food distribution to the various Reservations, as well as clothing.
