When we contact the local organizations we help to assess the needs, some items are always lacking:
- Toiletries are expensive and difficult to come by. Sanitary pads and toilet paper are always in demand. When you are sending a box, consider slipping in a box of baby wipes, some shampoo and body wash for the moms, or even a few simple bars of soap.
- Food – Healthy snacks, basic pantry items such as oatmeal, rice, canned vegetables, or a few crackers will bring on smiles. Consider sugar-free or low sugar soft foods such as fruit cups when sending to Elders.
- New underwear – Underpants and bras, all sizes, all styles. Long undergarments for the cold months are also needed.
Please note that the Lakotas and Dakotas are generally larger people. The majority of adults will wear sizes L and up.
Winters
Night time temperatures start dropping in September and snow can sometimes still fall in May. While each year varies somewhat, you can count on blizzards and snow storms several times a year. You can read more details in our Winter Needs Page. Every handcrafted gift is very much appreciated. For the non-crafters, we have an Amazon Registry for each of the places we help. If you have no time to shop, consider a monetary donation and we search for the best deals and bulk purchases for you.
Spring
While temperatures become moderate in the day time, they remain pretty low at night. Crafters might switch to lighter yarns and fabrics, shoppers might consider medium weight clothing.
Both visiting nurses encourage the moms to start a vegetable garden, seeds and simple tools are welcome. Most popular are the traditional “three sisters”: squash, corn, and beans. Gardening further promotes healthy eating and is in line with the Native people’s alignment with nature.
Summer
The weather is hot and dry. In the toiletries area, we are often asked for sunblock and lip balm. In the food department, children no longer receive free school meals, which puts a further drain on families. Clothing might include sun hats, teeshirts and shorts, light pajamas, baby onesies, sandals and sport shoes, and swimsuits.
August is when school starts and school supplies are needed. Visit our page for details on back to school. Some children are not sent to school regularly because they do not have decent clothes or shoes.
Crafters might start on Winter accessories such as hats, sweaters, and blankets.
Fall
With Autumn arriving, anxiety over the frigid weather mounts. Preparations for several months of cold include warm clothing, blankets, closed shoes and boots, gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks.
We are happy to continue our partnership with Bombas Socks as they send us 6,000 quality socks each year. However, with a population of over 40,000 you can never go wrong with socks.
New moms need sanitary pads, breast cream, diaper bags and changing pads, and nutritious snacks. Babies’ needs are great, from diapers (see special donation page for babies) , formula, wipes, toiletries, clothing, blankets, baby wash, to educational toys and carriers.
