NAHA: Newsletter August 2026
Updated: Oct 15
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our second monthly newsletter! We were so thrilled by how well our very first edition was received, and we are glad to continue sharing the direct impact of your support, along with monthly updates and stats on how we are serving Indigenous communities across South Dakota and Wyoming. If you have a story, feedback, or a suggestion for future editions, please let us know.
As August heat peaks across the plains, we know these record-high temperatures will soon give way to blankets of snow and ice. Our team is already looking ahead to the seasons to come, preparing for our annual GivingTuesday event while actively handing out school vouchers to help our children get ready for the new school year. Here is a look at what we are accomplishing together and what lies ahead.
Culture & Community: A Spotlight on Allen, South Dakota
This month, we are proud to highlight our ongoing partnership with the community of Allen, South Dakota. Beyond regular monthly distributions, this partnership allows us to respond quickly when unexpected emergencies arise. Whether supplying gear for search teams, bringing in essential baby products, or delivering high-need household items:
“This past year, we had an emergency team out looking for a tribal member, and I reached out to NAHA asking for donations of warm jackets, boots, hats, and gloves. We received the items we needed. We were also getting many requests for baby supplies, and NAHA brought countless diapers and other baby items that were greatly appreciated.
Another time, we had an Elder who was in great need of a stove, and we were surprised and grateful to find one included in our next delivery. We are so grateful to NAHA for providing our District residents with supplemental food, clothing, necessities, household items, toiletries, jackets, shoes, blankets, toys, etc., and at one time they brought over 100 brand new beds to our District. There are just not enough words to thank the Association. We are so thankful for the generosity and hearts that go into providing for our District.”
— Anna Halverson, Tribal Council Representative of Allen, South Dakota
When you support NAHA, you are directly empowering local leaders like Representative Halverson to protect, provide for, and uplift their communities when it matters most.
July Delivery Milestones
Our drivers and field teams have been navigating long distances to ensure geographical isolation does not stand in the way of essential resources.
Over the last month, your collective support delivered:
80,198 pounds of food total during July, including 40,024 pounds delivered directly to Porcupine to maintain a strong baseline of nutritional support.
Back-to-School Vouchers: We are providing $125 Walmart vouchers to children across our partner communities so families can purchase brand-new clothing, shoes, and undergarments for the upcoming school year.
4,500 pounds (three pallets) of a high-quality 50/50 ground bison and beef blend sourced from Dakota Meat Company in Rapid City, SD. By partnering with local ranchers, we are bringing essential protein to families across multiple reservations.
1,100 boxes of high-quality, cold-weather apparel generously donated by global retailer UNIQLO—including regular apparel and innovative HEATTECH items to help our communities prepare for the harsh winter months ahead.
Critical, year-round relief provided directly to families as we navigate the peak summer heat and prepare for the seasonal shift on the plains.
FAQ Corner: Your Questions Answered
Q: What specific reservations do your delivery routes cover in South Dakota & Wyoming?
A: Our delivery routes cover a vast geographic footprint to reach communities facing severe rural isolation. We regularly deliver directly to the Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, and Rosebud Reservations. By maintaining consistent delivery schedules to these specific tribal communities, we ensure that essential food, clothing, and seasonal supplies make it directly into the hands of the families who need them most.
Financial Stewardship
We know that every dollar represents a choice to support this mission, and we take our commitment to operational transparency seriously. We are proud to share that the Native American Heritage Association holds a 4 out of 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, along with a 100% score in Accountability & Finance.
This top-tier rating reflects our dedication to keeping overhead lean, ensuring that the vast majority of all donor dollars goes directly into field operations, food procurement, and seasonal relief across the reservations. When you donate to NAHA, you can trust that your contribution is managed with the highest level of integrity and maximum direct impact where it is needed most.
On the Horizon: Upcoming Community Needs
To keep our supply chains moving across thousands of miles of rugged terrain, we plan our resource needs months in advance. Every dollar donated goes directly toward funding these vital programs and delivering direct relief to the families we serve:
Giving Tuesday Prep. We are mobilizing for our annual Giving Tuesday campaign. Your support powers large-scale procurement, allowing us to stretch every contribution into maximum relief.
Cold Weather & Winter Heating Prep. With autumn approaching, we are preparing our energy vouchers, propane supplies, and cold-weather apparel to ensure families stay safe and warm as temperatures on the plains drop.
Holiday Meal Program. We are organizing logistics to pack delivery trucks with traditional feast staples so remote families can gather around a full table this Thanksgiving. Remember, just $18 feeds a family of five.
Your generosity makes these programs possible. If you would like to help us prepare for winter supply runs or keep our delivery trucks fueled for the months ahead, you can make a direct contribution below.