And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
I wish to share the wonderful success of the following school enterprise,
this is what can be done when a community works together to benefit the
people...:)
thanks for sharing this...
Ish
At 08:14 AM 12/18/98 -0500, Tricia wrote:
>Boozhoo Ish,
>I've been wanting to share the following with you, but I'm not after
>publicity, please don't put it on line. I read constantly about the
>problems of today, yet a small school in a town not talked about did do
>something to help. In October our school ran our second annual clothing
>and supplies drive for the people at Pine Ridge. The children did it - not
>because of race or because they had to but because I told them of other
>children less fortunate and they wanted to make a difference. Our parents
>backed the effort with great enthusiasm and the results were amazing. We
>had a goal of 200 good winter coats along with boots, hats and other
>clothes. When I sent letters to our families and the church people -
>response was overwhelming. The older women made lap robes, mothers sewed
>mittens, the children carried mountains of clothing. Every single item was
>checked. Nothing had a hole or stain or non working zipper. I asked the
>church people for blankets and personal care products. I wish you could
>have seen the response. The students collected "Pennies for Pine Ridge".
>They knew we needed a truck to get the things there. We talked about faith
>that the Creator would help get the truck (and the cost thereof) if we
>collected the items to send. Our goal was $1000 to pay for the truck.
>Each classroom counted 1000s of pennies, and then a family came forward and
>donated the cost of the truck with the gas. The money was used to add food
>to the load. When all was said and done, We had 450 beautiful winter coats
>along with enough supplies to fill a 24 foot truck front to back without an
>inch to spare! My husband and another dad drove the load out. It went to
>the poorest families on the rez first. That's what the people at our
>school liked, no middle men, directly from us to the people. We also had
>a newspaper article come out. When the community heard we were short on
>funds, People walked into the school no questions asked and handed us money
>"for your children". One man said he didn't want to leave a name because,"
>Your children are the guardian angels for the children on the reservation,
>and I'm their's".. Isn't this great?
>This week our cub scouts brought in new toys for the children on the Rez.
>We had our plans for shipping fall through. As I was packing the toys
>yesterday, a friend from school said she would pay the shipping of the
>toys, nuts, and candy as her donation. The best thing was, at the pack
>meeting the boys all stood up, faced west and yelled "Merry Christmas to
>our friends in South Dakota!" That's what it's all about. The children
>don't know about racism and prejudism if we don't tell them that. We are
>teaching the children how to care about others. During the penny drive,
>they learned that when they took the 32 cents from their piggy bank, and so
>did their friend, all together they can make a difference, and no
>contribution is too small.
>At this Christmas time, with so many problems out there, and so many we
>read about, I thought you might like to hear a story that makes you
>realize there are people who care.
>Thanks Ish.
>Have a beautiful and peaceful holiday season.
>Tricia
>
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/
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