LFC Supports Head Starts on Pine Ridge Reservation 

Nov25

Lakota Friends Circle (LFC) has long supported education initiatives across several reservations, including two schools—Marty Elementary on the Yankton Sioux Reservation, serving 60 students, and Rosebud Elementary on the Rosebud Reservation, serving more than 300 students—as well as 17 college-bound students through our scholarship program.

This year, instead of taking on an additional school, we have chosen to support the 300 children enrolled in Head Start programs across the 10 districts of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Administrative offices are located at Oglala Lakota College (OLC) Head Start in Kyle, SD.Within those 10 districts there are 22 Head Starts and 9 Early Head Starts . The main office will distribute items where most needed 

About the Head Start Programs

These programs were previously operated by the Tribe, but due to management challenges, oversight was transferred to Oglala Lakota College. While conditions for learning have improved, significant gaps in resources remain.

There are two programs:

  • Early Head Start (ages 0–3)
  • Head Start (ages 3–5)

Families attend at no cost, as most do not meet income thresholds. Children are bussed to school and receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily.

Winter Clothing Support

Following conversations with the Head Start director, an urgent need for winter clothing was identified.

Thanks to LFC donors and a partnership with Operation Warm, we have secured:

  • 250 coats purchased at reduced cost
  • 50 additional coats donated by a teen group

All 300 children will now have a winter coat.

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Still needed:
 ✅ Hats and mittens for 250 children

Age and gender breakdown available upon request.

We are grateful to our skilled crafters who are helping meet this need.

Additional Needs

Blankets

  • Approximately 100 blankets needed for 4–5-year-olds during nap time
  • Children without blankets lie directly on mats

Training Pants

  • Many children are still learning toilet skills
  • Requested: 50 pairs of 3T–4T training pants
  • Centers have access to washers and dryers

Socks

  • High demand
  • Bomba socks will be distributed when received
  • Handmade socks welcome

Books for Classrooms and Home

Classrooms currently have very limited books, resulting in repeated use of the same titles. Our goal is to supply enough books for:

  • Classroom learning
  • Rotation between districts
  • Children to take home

Requested topics include:

  • ABCs, numbers, early learning skills
  • Animals, insects, dinosaurs
  • Occupations (doctor, nurse, store owner, truck/train driver)
  • Nature and environment
  • Native American culture
  • Other age-appropriate themes

Expanding book access supports vocabulary, comprehension, and early brain development.

Classroom Centers and Learning Materials

Each classroom includes four learning centers, which children rotate through daily. Some districts are well supplied, while others lack materials entirely. Each classroom receives only $500 per year to cover essentials such as:

  • Writing materials
  • Tissues and wipes
  • Diapers
  • Craft supplies
  • Toys and learning tools

The Four Play Areas

Head Start believes that play is an essential part of learning. Children develop physical, intellectual, social, and emotional skills through exploration and hands-on activities. The classroom is divided into the following areas:

Manipulative (Small Motor) Area

  • Builds fine motor and early thinking skills
  • Includes puzzles, stacking toys, shape sorters, peg sets, and small building sets

Active Play (Large Motor) Area

  • Supports balance, coordination, and strength
  • Provides space for movement-based learning

Dramatic Play Area

  • Encourages imagination, problem solving, and cultural understanding
  • May be set up as a home, grocery store, post office, doctor’s office, or veterinarian clinic

Discovery Area

  • Invites exploration of natural and scientific materials
  • May include simple tools and items from the natural world

A Library / Listening Center also offers a quiet space with books, puppets, flannel boards, and seating for early literacy practice.

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Suggested Donations

For infants and toddlers (0–3):

  • Stacking rings, blocks, rattles
  • Cloth or board books
  • Soft dolls or stuffed animals
  • Age-appropriate wooden puzzles

For ages 3 and up:

  • Picture books and Montessori-style toys
  • Duplo blocks, wooden puzzles, sturdy toy vehicles
  • Dolls, dinosaurs, farm animals, action figures
  • Dress-up items (helmets, capes, crowns, doctor sets)
  • Art supplies (crayons, finger paints, glue sticks, construction paper, safety scissors)
  • Play-Doh and sensory items
  • Small whiteboards, chalkboards, flash cards
  • Simple games (Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, etc.)

Please Avoid:

  • Battery-operated toys (cost and safety concerns)
  • Items posing a choking risk
  • Books or clothing depicting realistic owls or coyotes, cartoon versions are acceptable.

Clean, gently used items are welcome if complete and in good working condition. Please visit this website to learn about preparing used toys for donation.

Updates will be shared as specific needs arise.

How to Help

Please send donations to:

Oglala Lakota College Head Start
P.O. Box 490
490 Piya Wiconi Road
Kyle, SD 57752    Phone: 605-455-6125

Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and charity form so the director can send a note of acknowledgment. Link to the charity form
To learn more visit their website:
OLC Head Start

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Marty School Updates

Sep12

The 2025-26 school year has begun at Marty, they currently have 59 students ,maybe more will register and new teachers for grades 1, 2, and 5. They do not have a principal for the elementary, middle or high school but are hoping to fill those positions soon.  Former principal Jolene Arrow will be writing grants under the tribe and Peggy, in addition to teaching grade 3, is helping the superintendent with some of the principal’s duties. Last year saw many changes at Marty, one of the teachers left mid year and a SFK member (an RN) filled in with help from the staff to finish the year. The Buffalo Shoppe was permanently closed, clothing with exceptions and other household items will now be directed to the Kateri Center which is located across from the school.  Marty will be accepting toys and other gift items for the Christmas Shop as they did last year.  See Peggy’s note below. Changes to Marty means changes to our Room Parent program and donations in general which is explained below.

 “Hello all!

I spoke with Carol over the weekend regarding the Christmas Shoppe, Christmas presents for individual classes, what we will keep here at the school, etc.  Carol explained to me that SFK’s original intent with the room moms was to provide educational support/resources for the and ouclassrooms.  While the overwhelming generosity of everyone is very much appreciated, in some cases it is causing problems.  Many of our younger students have older siblings and they simply don’t understand why the younger kids get such a haul while they do not.  I try to explain that smaller toys make for smaller costs, but kids don’t understand.  They see K-1 dragging home shopping bags overloaded with toys and other goodies and then turn to other teachers and say – “Is there a bag for us?
With that in mind, this is what we are asking going forward.  For Christmas, each student will get to buy one toy for themselves from the Christmas Shoppe.  They will not have toys bought for them by the room moms.  Instead, we ask that you provide something educational as a gift.  It can be a book (for lower grades there are some really great pop up books), an educational game, or an age appropriate art kit.  All of our students are incredibly artistic.  I haven’t met one that doesn’t excel at some type of art.  Please keep these guidelines in mind when shopping for our students here at Marty.  It’s okay to buy odds and ends for the kids, they love notebooks and other little things, but if you want to give toys, please mark them Attention: Christmas Shoppe.  We are going to try to display them in appropriate age groups and let the kids shop for themselves before they shop for their families. 
This would also apply for end of the year gifts and special party gifts.  I watch some of the lower kids literally stagger out of the building trying to carry all the “stuff” they get and, again, the older kids don’t understand.  This is NOT a jab at the room moms for grades 3-5.  I know it comes from the right place in everyone’s heart when they send all that for the littles, but a) not everyone can spend that kind of money all the time, and b) not everyone sees the need to spend that kind of money. 
As far as what we will have here, one coat, one pair of gloves, one hat, one pair of shoes, one pair of boots.  If you can get snow pants, those would be greatly appreciated.  I know they aren’t cheap, but new playground rules are “if you aren’t dressed appropriately, you will not be going in the snow.”  That means fully dressed so we don’t have soaking wet kids.   We would also like to provide each child with some type of hoodie and keep socks on hand for wet feet.  Despite trying our best, there will be those students who get sent to school in crocks every winter and they end up with soaked feet.  Not only is it miserable, but they risk illness.  Students will be given ONE of each thing.  I have told the teachers that I will not be asking for replacements for any student.  The Ketari Center (Nook) is available if they need replacements.
In regards to the Ketari Center, please send ALL OTHER CLOTHES there and not here.  I am getting boxes that are not marked for Ketari, so I am opening them and trying to figure out what is going on.  I just need you to mark the boxes “Kateri” on the outside clearly, then I can just stack them and have them picked up.  
As an FYI, we are in a huge transition here at Marty.  Lots of changes.  Please bear with us!” 
Peggy J. Marty School Teacher

The kids tested very low in 2024 -2025 due to the many upsets last year among other factors. Some kids slipped backwards in their progress and that’s why the school wants the focus to be on educational items for classes so they can raise their reading and math scores. Room parents may be asked to help with any special needs for a class project or a book to read for Read Across America Day.  The reading specialist will recommend a book for each student matched to their abilities. 

Class parties – We will post on the group any upcoming celebrations at the school and any needs or small gifts that are approved.  Room parents can communicate with their teachers and decide what they will send, if anything, and the group can help with the rest.  As far as we know the upcoming parties are – Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and end of the school year in May. 

For Halloween teachers would like each student to have a small flashlight to use when reading books in the dark every Friday in the library. They are requesting we not send  candy or other sweet treats as students get plenty when visiting the tribal offices. LFC will help the school with food for the day.  For Christmas we’re hoping to send a pillow/case and a new blanket/quilt for each student.  Room parents can receive help from the group if they don’t sew or have the time to sew.  In addition to the gift list in Peggy’s letter, another idea is interlocking puzzles (cardboard only), 150-300 pieces for K-2 and 300-500 for 3-5. The kids are crazy about Hello Kitty and Minecraft and similar characters.  SFK members will also be helping to fill family bags for Christmas.  Each family will receive a bag of cleaning supplies and a bag of food to help them feed their children over the holidays.  Linda W and Sharon S will be coordinating this program and will post on SFKV list of needs. We’re hoping to get some pictures of this year’s festivities at the school.  For Valentines Day we will send 3 packages of Valentines to each class that will then will be mixed up and shared with the classes do the kids in the classes get a variety and kids will get a cup cake as a snack.  LFC will provide the food for the carnival in May, room parents can coordinate with their teacher about any gifts.

Shipping – Unfortunately most members are waiting too long, sometimes months, for a traceable label from GBB.  The label you receive when initially purchased is not traceable and has sometimes been used before.  If you do use the first label, make sure to put your contact information in the box and ask the recipient to return your SASE or send an email to you.  We suggest verifying with UPS that  the number is valid and hasn’t been used before.  Some members are not using GBB and instead sending smaller boxes via Pirate Ship or other company.  We’re hoping there will be another alternative soon, we will keep you posted.   If your box is for a particular grade/teacher or the Kateri Center, please mark your box Attention:  Teacher Name, or Kateri.  All other boxes, such as school supplies, coats, or anything for Sharon S for the Christmas family gift bags, please label them Attention: Peggy Jakopak.  

The Kateri Center, (formerly the Nook), serves three other schools in the surrounding area, items are free of charge and distributed on a first come first served basis.  They also have a food bank that families can access once a month and a Christmas shop around the holidays.  For more information about the center please read our previous blog.  Recently LFC was very fortunate to have help stocking the center with toiletries from Journey of Hope. LFC helps the school with cleaning supplies, kleenex, hand sanitizer, laundry pods and some medical supplies.  These items are always needed so if you have room please consider adding a few to your box. LFC provides a snack twice a week for students before they leave school. The Doll Project, founded and managed by Penny N, which many of you participate in, helps supply the funding for these nutritional snacks.  LFC covers any additional funds needed for the Marty Snack Program as well as school parties. 

 Marty School Current Needs

  • Dry erase markers, please no red or black as they’re hard to erase
  • Snow Pants
  • Hoodies 
  • Paper napkins, cutlery, plates and cups
  • Water bottles without straws
  • Winter coats
  • shoes
  • hats
  • gloves

Marty Current Students May be updated in the future

K – (10) 4-boys, 6-girls

1 – (7)  6-boys, 1-girl

2 – (11) 5-boys, 6-girls (might add new one)

3 – (9)  3-boys, 6-girls (might add one)

4 – (7)  4-boys, 3-girls

5-  (12) 7-boys, 5-girls

We know this is a lot to take in, due to all the changes, but we’re hoping you will have the patience to stick with us and continue our mission of helping Marty with the resources they need for the most important job of educating their students.

Sew For Kids

July Project and Rez News

Jun23

Summer Update from the Rez

Summer has arrived, and with it comes the heat and the excitement of kids being out of school. Some students are attending summer school for a month to strengthen their skills before returning in August. Graduations are complete and many kids are keeping busy with activities provided by various groups both on and off the Rez. Pow Wows and Sundances are taking place in different communities, celebrating culture and bringing people together.

Some community members have found seasonal work in the national parks or in construction, which helps reduce household overcrowding and brings in much-needed income for families. Nonprofits continue to support communities across the Rez in countless ways. Gardens are thriving and will be harvested in the fall, bringing fresh produce to many families.

Project Highlights

Gather Our Children Foster Home
The foster home has been at full capacity for the past few months and has taken in a few older kids because CPS has struggled to find foster families for them. Many of the children have additional needs, such as autism or disabilities like cerebral palsy, which means the staff works incredibly hard, often providing one-on-one care.

This Spring, two of the children graduated from middle school with excellent grades and are moving to a new home — such an exciting milestone for the girls! The foster home deeply appreciates all donations. Food remains a big need with so many children to feed.  Lakota Friends Circle (LFC) has been able to help supply groceries to them thanks to the generous donations from supporters of the food fundraiser.  A new playground is on the way for the children.    Reservation Outreach is a nonprofit organization and LFC partner that is based in the Red Shirt area of Pine Ridge but doing work in other areas of the Rez too.  They will be taking volunteers to the Foster Home in July to build a new play area with new playground equipment, a shade shelter, sandbox and fencing sponsored by funds from your donations to LFC.  We will keep you updated with their progress.

Baby Programs
The baby programs are bustling, with many new moms joining in addition to the families already supported by nurses until the children turn three. RST Maternal and Child Health and Bright Start are so grateful for the boxes of supplies they receive — diapers, toiletries, and other essentials made possible by the monthly donations to our baby program and the many boxes of clothing and other items sent by generous donors of SFK and partner group For the Children of PRR and many others.

Marty Indian School
 Marty Indian School is hosting Summer school throughout June and is preparing for staffing changes for the 2025–2026 school year. One of our volunteers, a trained librarian, is setting up a reading room for the elementary students and is looking for items such as books, shelves, chairs, and tables — many of which were donated by our group a few years ago.

Due to the Lakota Studies program, library time was paused for a while but is now being revived. Another volunteer is teaching this year, while a third is assisting as an aide and using her garage to store school items, since the Buffalo Shoppe had to close to make room for additional classrooms.

The Kateri Center, located across the field from the school, will provide clothing and toiletries for the children. Some items, like shoes, winter boots, hats, coats, gloves, and Christmas gifts, will be stored in the volunteer’s garage and distributed as needed. School supplies and the snack program food will be stored at the school.

We hope to continue the “room parent” program remotely and will need volunteers to help with this project — especially for the science teacher, who needs additional resources. We also hope to create a teacher resource center in the new reading room.

Wanblee Community
The Wanblee community remains active, hosting movie nights and other activities for local kids.  They are so grateful for all the donations you’ve been sending their way, it really helps the community.

White Buffalo Calf Woman’s Society (WBCWS)
 The WBCWS shelter is currently full and experiencing staff shortages. They are always in need of donations, especially household items for moms moving into their own apartments, as many are starting from scratch.

Lakota Friends Circle is organizing a “Housewarming Shower” for these moms in July and will continue to support them as they set up their new homes. Life is already challenging, and living on the Rez can add to that stress — so every bit of support helps. The moms can always turn to WBCWS in Mission if they need additional assistance.  More information about the White Buffalo Calf Woman’s Society can be found on their website and Lakota Friends Circle.   We have compiled a comprehensive list, with input from staff members, of the needs moms have for their new apartment. https://www.lakotafriendscircle.org/organizations-we-serve/white-buffalo-calf-womens-society/  You can order off the Amazon list or send your own box of goodies. It’s garage sale season – but make sure items are something you would be proud to offer as a gift. Or you can send money through paypal and let LFC do the shopping for items still needed. 

Let’s help make their new house a home. Together we can make this happen.  

Thanks as always from Sew For Kids Volunteers and LFC

Lakota Friends Circle Food Drive

May21

Lakota Friends Circle is currently holding a Food Drive for the next several weeks with a goal to raise $15,000 for the areas they serve in SD.  They have been receiving more requests for food this year and anticipate many more will be coming due to federal cuts to programs Native Americans rely on. 

Many Indian Reservations are already experiencing canceled food bank deliveries and cuts to tribal food programs after the USDA cut federal programs.  Native families are 25% more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population so these cuts are devastating to the food supply.

After the forced removal of Native Americans from their traditional lands, their self-sufficient food systems collapsed when they no longer had access to their hunting and fishing grounds and were unable to gather traditional wild foods. They were moved to locations that lacked fertile soil, wild game or even water.  This opened the door to relying on government issued food for survival which was promised in early treaties, along with providing education and housing, all in exchange for the taking of their land.  The food they received, flour, lard, sugar and powdered milk, had never been part of their diet so they began eating non-traditional foods that introduced diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other health conditions to the population.

With only one full service grocery on Pine Ridge many travel to the nearest grocery which is 160 miles round trip for groceries.  Instead of fresh foods that must be eaten in a few days, many families load up on processed foods with a long shelf life to make their food supply last longer which only adds to their health problems. 

Food shortages have affected the children at Gather Our Children Home (WGO) and Marty Indian School as well as families using the food bank in the Red Shirt area operated by Reservation Outreach.  With schools on summer break family food bills will rise as children will be eating all their meals at home unless their area operates a lunch program this summer.

Lakota Friends Circle is trying to help the situation by holding this food drive and by trying to locate alternative food resources such as Feed South Dakota.  We realize everyone will be experiencing rising food prices and higher prices for just about everything in the future making it more difficult to help.  Small donations by many  goes a long way towards LFC’s goal so please help if you can.  We appreciate everything our generous donors do for Lakota families in the areas we serve.

Sew For Kids

Area Updates and Kids Summer Clothing

Apr1

Spring has arrived even though it may not feel like it in your area.  The Rez is still cold and spring storms have been known to dump snow on the region in May.  Fortunately spring will eventually arrive and then summer so kids in the areas we serve will need appropriate clothing for the warmer weather.  Below is an update for the areas we serve and following that is a list of needs.  

Bright Start and RST Maternal and Child Health – Directors of both programs, as well as the mothers, are so thankful for the beautiful (and stylish) baby clothing they’ve received from all of you which included sleepers, sweaters, onesies, coats, snowsuits and matching sets and for all the toiletries, wipes, toys and books and other items.  Those of you sending monthly donations to our baby program at Lakota Friends Circle helps fund our monthly shipments of toiletries, diapers and other needs for babies and mothers.  Mom’s are so appreciative of the books and activities you’ve sent which helps them keep their toddlers busy and develop their learning skills at the same time.  The school supplies are really needed too as many of the mothers are continuing their education which we definitely want to encourage. The nurses say their program wouldn’t be anything like it is without the generosity of members of SFK and For the Children of PRR and Rosebud.  They send a huge Thank You for your support! 

 Wanblee Child, Youth and Elder Program – receives many wonderful donations from many of you for all members of the family from babies to elders which includes toys and toiletries. Some of the toys are put in a storage container so they can make sure there are gifts for the kids at Christmas.  LFC pays the monthly electric bill for the Kennedy Hall which is used for NAHA deliveries (8+ times a month) of food and other items that are then packed into individual bags by volunteers for distribution to area families.  The High Horses operate the program but it is the community volunteers giving their time to pack the bags for families that makes everything work.    

Scholarship Program – Our 7 scholarship students are plodding away at school and we will hear from them again at the end of their spring term. We wish them success on their exams. 

Marty Indian School – Located in Marty, SD on the Yankton Sioux Reservation has experienced many changes this year which has made it difficult for room parents and supporters to keep up with all of them.  The Buffalo Shoppe has been shut down but a small storage shed has been found for storing school supplies and other basics.  Everything else is being sent to the Kateri Center at St. Paul’s Church which is within walking distance of the school.  They have a food pantry and a clothing/household needs pantry which serves 300-400 families each month.  They depend on donations from individuals and organizations such as SFK to keep their shelves stocked.  Students from Marty, as well as two other area schools, and their families can use the pantry, see the February blog.   Staff changes at Marty are adding a few new teachers including a science teacher, a school nurse, and a new para. The old Buffalo Shoppe has been turned into a work area for students needing extra help and as an indoor play area used during bad weather.  LFC still provides snacks through our snack fund which is partially funded by doll clothing sales (sewn and donated by SFK members) through the doll program at SFK founded and operated by Penny N.   Many thanks to Penny for organizing the sales and for donating the proceeds to Marty’s snack fund.  Room parents are currently working on their end of year gifts for their classes.  There will be a party in May celebrating the end of the school year which SFK will support as we did with the Valentine’s party.    

Gather Our Children Home – a safe place for abused and neglected children has been very busy.  Some kids stay for a while and others are placed immediately with babies being the easiest to place if there are no health issues.  LFC has been helping stock their pantry with staples and snacks and their fridges with meat, fruit and veggies.  They also send toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers and other needs in monthly shipments from online stores made possible by your monetary donations to Lakota Friends Circle.  Members of SFK and For the Children of PRR and Rosebud send generous donations of clothing, shoes, toys and books for the children and they’re always ready to fill any special requests they may have.  Thank you donors!

White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society has been receiving clothing and crafting supplies from our donors and diapers, toiletries, sanitary items and other needs from Lakota Friends Circle made possible through your donations.   

Reservation Outreach –  Monetary donations to this non-profit’s “Bed in a Bag” program, made through LFC, recently helped purchase mattresses and bedding for families in the Red Shirt area of Pine Ridge.  LFC works together with RO on some of their programs and fundraising as both organizations are small and can accomplish more by working together.   

Spring/Summer Kids Clothing  

Our SFK project this month is providing kids with summer clothing and shoes.  We know they’re waiting patiently (ha!) for the day when they can shed their winter coats and hats and put on a pair of shorts and sandals and go play outside.  We can probably all remember that carefree feeling of being out of school with nothing to do but play and be with friends, ahh the good ole days!  Kids have either outgrown or worn out last year’s clothing, actually most didn’t have that many to begin with and they probably weren’t washed very often as a lot of homes don’t have a washer.  Kids wear their day clothes to bed or just their underwear if it’s really warm which is why kids are so excited to get a pair of PJ’s.  Clothing can be new or gently used (new underwear only) as long as it meets our donation guidelines found here.  Clothing needs for all areas we serve are listed below.

  • Tops – T-shirts, tank tops, shirts, one piece rompers for babies, dresses with matching shorts, sports bras
  • Bottoms – Shorts, lightweight leggings and pants, capris, skirts/skorts with matching shorts, underwear
  • Outerwear – Hoodies and light jackets
  • Pajamas – Lightweight pj’s or sleep pants/shorts with T-shirt
  • Shoes – Flip flops, sandals, athletic type and other summer shoes in all sizes.
  • Summer Gear – Sun hats, bucket style for babies and toddlers, baseball caps, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 30+, bathing suits and beach towels.

Shipping addresses for all programs are here.  Wanblee and White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society can use sizes 0 through adult as they both serve their communities.  Bright Start and RST Maternal and Child Health only serve babies and toddlers so they need sizes 0-4T, Gather our Children Home can use 0 through small adult sizes.  Marty’s clothing and shoes should be sent to the Kateri Center but if you are using the GBB program use Marty’s label and someone from Kateri will pick it up.  After school is out, check with staff before mailing to make sure someone will be there.  If donating to Reservation Outreach please contact them for a list of sizes and needs.   

All of us are worried about all the cuts to federal programs being made and realize that our help may be needed even more in the future.  

We are so grateful to be working with such generous, caring people.  Your dedication and support of the families we serve continues to amaze us.   Thank You hardly seems adequate but we do thank each and every one of you that shares our goal of improving the lives of children and their families on the reservations we serve.

Sew For Kids

The Buffalo Shoppe and the Kateri Center in Marty SD

Feb5

Many of our supporters who help with Marty Indian Elementary school have wanted to know about the changes that took place with the Buffalo Shoppe the end of the Fall of 2024. A new superintendent arrived, and mid semester , the elementary school acquired a new science teacher as well as a grade 4 teacher. Before that grade 3/4 and 4/5 were combined with the duties of teaching the various subjects , shared as they are currently. The new superintendent brought with him new ideas and the staff had to adjust to the new changes . One of those changes was with the Buffalo Shoppe which Sew For Kids has helped with for several years. I chatted with Peggy J, the administrative assistant and grade 3 teacher to have her explain those changes and why they happened. Here is what she said:

“I know there has been a lot of confusion and misinformation about the Buffalo Shoppe and where it’s at now.  If you have questions, please reach out to me and I’ll answer them.  We are all so very grateful for your support and donations over the years, but we just don’t have the space needed to run the Shoppe the way it was being run. We need an empty room for therapy days, indoor recess, counseling, and a general work area for kids to do make up work so the Shoppe had to go.

That being said, it’s not completely gone.  Lakota Friends Circle/ Sew For Kids can send stuff to what was formerly known as the Needy Nook here in Marty, now known as the Kateri Center that is housed in St Paul’s Church .  The entire community will be able to benefit from the donations made there.  Children’s clothing, baby clothes, , adult clothing ,( larger sizes for women needed) shoes, toys, books, and hygiene items are very much in demand and the Sisters are always grateful when we send them what we can.  I know Carol is working on getting labels that can ship to them, but if that doesn’t work out, you are welcome to send boxes here with “Attention to the Kateri Center ” and we will get them over to the church.

As for the Shoppe, here is what I would like to do.  Recently, the tribe has started allocating funds for clothing in the fall for any student who is registered to attend school.  That sounds great; however, the funds aren’t always used responsibly.  I can’t monitor that or have input on that, unfortunately, but what I can do is make sure that we have supplies here that are needed every year that don’t seem to get purchased.  Coats, shoes, boots, snow pants, and gloves.  I know some of you have loads of stuff squirreled away (just like I do!) and I would ask if you could dig through it and see if you have any of those bags that you can suck the air out of to decrease the need for storage space.  I plan to sort the coats by size and sex, mark the bags with that, then store them for the fall/winter season.  We can reuse the bags as long as the port holds out.  We’ll just set them aside in a box and fill them up again as coats come in.  We have two good-sized shelving units that we can use to store this stuff in.  I know that this time of year is when everything goes on clearance sale and that’s the best time to buy – so we will make sure we can store what you send!  

We also are extremely grateful for school supplies, hygiene supplies, little toys for classroom prize boxes, and toys and adult gifts that we can store for next year’s Christmas Shoppe.   Again, I know this is the time to hit all those clearance things, so we will absolutely make it work.  I’m going to add a list at the bottom of things we can ALWAYS find room for, either for the students personally or to use in the classroom.  I have teachers come to me constantly with requests and I hope to get them posted in a timely manner.  

Again, thank you all so very much for your support for the Shoppe and the snack fund.  Every day the kids ask “is it your snack day Ms. J or the cafeteria?”  They know that they are going to get a filling, healthy snack on SFK snack day and they really appreciate and look forward to it.  

List of needed items:

Clothing:

Vacuum storage bags that we take out the air to save space

Coats size 6 – 18, both boys and girls.  We do occasionally need bigger sizes, but I can post those separately.

Boots – all sizes, boys and girls, including bigger sizes.  We always seem to be short on those.  It’s okay if they are gently used, but please not dirty or with holes.  Also, fashion boots aren’t warm or waterproof.  I know the girls love them, but they are useless at recess.  

Shoes – same as boots! and practical

Gloves – All sizes, water repellent.  Cloth, knit, etc. is pretty, but again, not protective at recess.  

Hygiene items:

Shampoo

Conditioner

Body wash

Wash cloths

Towels

Mouthwash (surprisingly, I’ve had a few requests for this lately)  Dental hygiene is an issue here, so maybe some with fluoride in it?

SFK sends us an auto shipment of toothbrushes and toothpaste, so we’re good on that for the time being, unless someone wants to send bigger toothbrushes.  The ones that come are more for littles.  

School supplies:

We are out of the fatter markers and low on the thin markers.  

Erasers that fit on the end of pencils.

Dry erase markers – black and red are hard to clean off some of the white boards, but whatever you send, we’ll be grateful for.

Half sized composition notebooks.  They are SO useful and we go through them like crazy!

High lighters

1″ colorful binders

Plastic folders, with or without the clips to hold paper in the middle.  We can use both and plastic holds up a lot longer than paper, especially with the tiny folk on lower.  

Coloring books – for children and adults.  Grades 3-5 ask every day if they can color and the coloring books that we have are for less mature kids.  Our upper students like to do more challenging and complex pages.  We can print them from our computers but it’s time-consuming and costly to use printer paper for that.  If you need suggestions on types of books, I can share some links.  

We currently are good on backpacks and loose paper.  I will for sure let you all know when we are running low.  We are also good on baby dolls, but went through the Rainbow High type dolls like a duck through water.  You do NOT have to get those; I’m just letting you know what they liked.  Legos, always a hit.  Art kits!  We went through those sooooo fast.  I can’t tell you how artistic these kids are. Drawing pads, charcoal pencils, good colored pencils, etc. – I don’t know who sent all those art kits last year, but BAM, they were gone as soon as they were seen!

I hope this clarifies a few things.  Again, we are thankful for your generosity in the past and look forward to working with you any time we have the chance!

Peggy Jakopak

3rd Grade 

Marty Indian School

(605) 384-4021 ext. 2161 “

So there you have the needs that the school still wants. LFC/SFK will put up an Amazon list with items on the list that you can buy directly off the list if you wish . The room parent program run by Sew For Kids and LFC will continue next year at this moment in time.

The Kateri Center will send you a thank you note and charity form if they have your information so please enclose the information. They also take food but they do get food from the government commodity program as well as they can buy food for the families from Feeding SD but pay 18 cents per lb generally. Families can come as often as they want for all items but only once per month for the food. They serve food to about 40-60 plus families each month with the amount of food determined by the number living in the household. So if you have items that can not be sent to the school, please send them to the Kateri Center. There are 3 schools in the area they serve and they cover several community areas. They appreciate your donations. See Kateri Center photos below.

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SFK Project for January/February 2025

Jan13

We apologize for getting the blog out late but Carol lives very close to the wildfires (she can see them out her window) in California.  Add to that family health issues and getting timely information from our donation sites  all contribute to a late blog.     

The Rez is definitely experiencing a cold and snowy winter which has caused some school closings and much difficulty for those going to work.  LFC currently has 6 applicants for their scholarship program which will be decided once all the required information has been received.  Christmas was celebrated by all areas we serve and was a huge success because of the continuing generosity of members of SFK and For The Children of PRR and other contributors.  Thank you everyone!

The Sew For Kids Doll Project, founded and led by Penny N, celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2024.  In addition to sending 783 dolls/bears to 8 donation sites on three reservations last year, the program also raised $1,943.31 for the snack fund at Marty Indian Elementary School.  The funds were raised from the sale of doll clothes, made by members of the program, to other members of SFK that are used to dress the dolls they’re sending to areas we serve.  Penny then donates those funds to Marty’s Snack Program administered by Lakota Friends Circle.  Thank you Penny and all the wonderful members of your doll program and congratulations on your 10th anniversary!  

The Buffalo Shoppe at Marty School has been closed due to a decision by the new superintendent.  Our new plan is to work with the staff at the Kateri Center , located on the grounds of St. Paul’s Church and within walking distance from Marty.  We plan to send donations of clothing and household goods, etc to the facility operated by the Oblate Sisters where they serve 300-400 families each month with food and clothing needs.   Students from Marty (and other local schools) can visit the center with their parents and get help with clothing and other needs.  We’re asking that no boxes be sent until we get the details worked out and a Give Back Box label is available.   

We have been working on our project list for 2025 and have decided to only post projects for 4 months since every day brings new changes on the Rez.  This allows us to concentrate on each area’s current needs.  However, there will always be a need for Christmas gifts, warm blankets, clothing and accessories, linens, bags, school supplies, toiletries, etc.  We encourage you to shop off season sales and save your bargains until needed (if you have the space).  We will post a basic needs list for the year and update as we get additional requests.

 Lakota Friends Circle (LFC) sends monthly shipments to most areas we serve containing adult and baby toiletries, diapers and wipes, formula, snacks and other items but there is never enough to fill the needs of everyone that asks for help so they must be turned away and told to try again next month.  If you would like to help LFC enlarge those shipments please consider becoming a monthly or one time donor to the program.  Donations for the food pantry or baby needs  would be greatly appreciated.  For those preferring to order online we will be posting a link to an Amazon list. 

January/February’s project will be focused on baby and toddler needs for Bright Start and Gather Our Children Home (Foster Home) on Pine Ridge and RST Maternal and Child Health and White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society on Rosebud.  March and April will be focusing on the same areas but with clothing, etc for spring and summer.

Baby Needs

  • Diaper Bag, tote bags, backpack, toiletry bag, etc.
  • Towel and washcloth – regular and hooded towels for baby
  • Bibs and Burp Cloths
  • Receiving blankets – flannel single or double layered
  • Blankets – quilts, afghans, fleece, etc.
  • Sheets – crib or Pack ‘n Play size (can get through WIC)
  • Sleepers and Onesies – long and short sleeve
  • Sleepsacks – flannel/fleece, lighter for summer
  • Socks and Scratch Mitts – sewn or knit/crochet
  • Hats – warm for winter, cotton sun hats for summer
  • Sweater/Hoodie
  • Snow Suits and coats
  • Pants and leggings
  • Diapers – 0-5/6
  • Bottles – BPA free with nipples
  • Toiletries – baby wash/shampoo, lotion, diaper rash cream, baby thermometer, baby manicure kit, syringe
  • Other – stuffies, board books, developmental toys, teething ring/toy

Toddler Needs

  • Onesies/undershirts- long and short sleeves
  • Footed sleepers
  • Pants, leggings, shorts
  • Socks and shoes – toddler sizes
  • Sweaters/ Hoodies
  • Skirts and Dresses – with leggings to match
  • Outerwear – coats, jackets, snowsuits, snow pants
  • Accessories – hats, mittens/gloves, balaclava
  • Eating utensils – sippy cups, toddler utensils, plates
  • Toys/activities – age appropriate safe toys, books and activity bags

Mom’s Needs

  • Toiletries and bag – lotion, deodorant, toothpaste/brush, soap, nail care, polish.
  • Sanitary supplies – pads, heavy duty and regular
  • Hair care – comb/brush, hair ties/bands, scrunchies, shampoo/conditioner
  • Personal – nursing pads, purse, wallet, pen/paper, adult coloring book, colored pencils, fine tip markers, journal, puzzle, etc.
  • Sweats – sweatpants and sweatshirts M-L

Bright Start and RST Maternal and Child Health 

The moms in these programs are followed by a program nurse during their pregnancies, after they give birth and until their baby’s third birthday.  Women from Pine Ridge give birth in Rapid City, Chadron or are flown to Sioux Falls in a high risk situation.  Women from Rosebud deliver in Rapid City or Sioux Falls if high risk.  While in the hospital women receive diapers, sanitary items, hotel size toiletries, and formula if not breastfeeding.  These items will last through their stay in the hospital and for a few days at home.  The baby also receives a sleep sack and a receiving blanket, mom will need to provide the going home outfit.  Women will continue to need sanitary items for up to 6 weeks after delivery and nursing pads and toiletries for both her and the baby are an ongoing need.

Newborns in these programs are given (if they have them), a diaper bag filled with one sleeper, onesie, receiving blanket, warm blanket in winter, baby wash, washcloth and 2-3 diapers.  Moms receive whatever they have on hand, toothpaste and brush, small toiletries, they would love to give more but they make do with what they have.  Many moms are using plastic bags as their diaper bags as are nurses making visits, they have to use whatever is available.  We would love to send them some tote bags with sturdy handles so ladies start your machines! 

Both programs have requested baby clothes in preemie and NB sizes.  Most babies use the 0-3 month size but they do have young clients, some are teens and they tend to have smaller babies.  Include a couple of outfits in these sizes, if you have them, in your next box.  Both programs could use more receiving blankets.  These blankets have multiple uses, burp cloths, swaddlers, towel, breastfeeding cover, etc.  Both programs could also use more sleep sacks which have been recommended through 6-12 months to help prevent SIDS.  Sacks with long sleeves for the winter and lighter ones for summer are both needed.

Gather Our Children Home 

Needs seasonal clothing for infants through 5T.  Tote bags, duffel bags, larger backpacks, etc are needed for children to put their belongings in when leaving the home for a foster home.

White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society 

They currently have enough clothing but they still need toiletries and they love dolls.    

There are plenty of opportunities to keep sewers, knitters and crocheters busy in the lists above.  Baby clothing, sleep sacks, quilts, quilts and blankets, bibs, burp cloths, diaper pads, nursing pads, sweaters, hats, scratch mitts, stuffies, cloth dolls. Those that prefer to shop can keep busy too.  Gently used items, except underwear and socks, are welcome as long as they meet our donation guidelines.  Shipping addresses are here.  

Thanks so much for helping moms, babies, and toddlers in these programs!  Every donation to these programs makes life a little easier and less stressful for the recipients of your kindness. 

Sew For Kids  

SFK Christmas Gifts 2024 

Nov15

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner and a new year as well. Sew for Kids has had a very successful year helping children and their families in our programs, thanks to a dedicated and generous membership! This year the doll program sent over 600 dolls and stuffed animals to the areas we serve. Many thanks to Penny and all the SFK members participating in that program. The doll program has made generous donations to the snack fund at Marty School for the past few years, thank you Penny and SFK members! 

Students at Marty Indian School will receive Christmas gifts from their room parents and SFK will provide a gift bag for their families. Group members have also helped out room parents by sending pillows, pillow cases and blankets to the school. Students will shop for gifts for their family members in the Christmas Store we’ve been busy stocking at the school and they will also enjoy a Christmas party before the holiday break begins. Small gift items for parents can still be sent until the end of the month for the Christmas Store. 

Reservation Outreach, a non-profit that SFK and LFC works with on Rez projects, will soon be traveling to Pine Ridge to hold Christmas parties in two different locations on the Rez. They are taking gifts for children with help from Sew For Kids, Lakota Friends Circle and For The Children of PRR and Rosebud and other organizations as well. They too will have a stocked Christmas shop where parents can shop for gifts for their children. Some members of these various groups made generousmonetary donations to help stock the winter pantry in Red Shirt where residents are routinely snowed in during the winter months and the closest grocery store is over 40 miles away. 

Many gifts have already been sent to Wanblee’s Child, Youth and Elder program throughout the year. Lakota Friends Circle usually provides gifts for the volunteers donating their time to unload the trucks and sort and bag items for families. Wanblee usually has a parade of lights and then Christmas gifts are distributed to families. Families Working Together plans the parade now although it was originally started by Jerome and Theresa High Horse. After the parade gifts are given to most of the children in the area. 

White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society on Rosebud Reservation has also received gifts throughout the year from SFK and other organizations as well. They can probably still use some gifts as they also serve residents in the community in addition to their clients in the facility. 

Gather Our Children Home, the home for abused/neglected children and foster home has already received gifts from many SFK members. Children at the home are constantly changing so we don’t have a list of ages but they did make a special request for clothing items for NB to 5T. Clothing is often sent with children going to a new foster home and given to Child Protection Services so supplies are getting low. If you are sending clothing, some suggestions are warm pants and shirts, pj’s, socks, underwear, sweaters and sweatshirts, hoodies, coats, snowsuits and snow pants, hats and mittens and shoes and boots.

Our main focus over the next several weeks will be sending gifts for babies, toddlers and mothers in the Bright Start program on Pine Ridge and the RST Maternal and Child Health program on Rosebud Reservation. Kids at this age rarely get toys but it’s the age when they really need them to develop cognitive, motor and social skills. Some suggestions are board books, puzzles, building toys, trucks, soft dolls, coloring books, stuffed animals, learning toys, rattles and other noise making safe toys. Toys should be age appropriate and no baby toys with ribbons, eyes, buttons, etc that can pose a choking hazard. 

Both programs hold community education programs for parents and gifts are given out to the moms and kids attending, if they have them. RST serves about 40- 50 babies/toddlers and Bright Start about 20-25 until they reach the age of 3. Both locations can use warm clothing in sizes newborn to 5T. Some suggestions are warm pants and shirts, long sleeve onesies, fleece sleepers and sleepsacks, pj’s, socks, underwear, hoodies, sweaters and sweatshirts, coats, snowsuits, mittens, shoes/boots, hats, and blankets. SFK will continue to send warm clothing and blankets for babies and toddlers through January. We would like to send the mothers a small gift to let them know they’re not forgotten and someone cares about them too. Gift suggestions are gloves/mittens, hats, filled toiletry bags, hair accessories, nail polish/manicure items, lotion, perfume, art supplies, books, etc. 

Sew For Kids sends a huge thank you to all members of this group and partner groups for the tireless work you do each year making or buying dolls, blankets, clothing, toys, hats, mittens, and other items too numerous to count to the areas we serve on three Reservations. We also thank all the generous donors who give monthly to our baby program or a one time gift to purchase diapers, toiletries, formula and other needed items for babies and their mothers. Together we make a big difference to those that really need our help. 

We wish you all a safe, healthy and happy holiday season with your families and hope you will continue to support Sew For Kids in 2025. We couldn’t do this work without you, YOU ARE THE BEST!!

Preparing Families for Winter

Oct23

Preparing for Winter

Last month SFK members got students ready to begin their new school year by sending school supplies and clothing to all the areas we serve on three reservations in South Dakota.  All the organizations were so grateful for your help and were happy that students could start the school year well supplied.   A big thanks to everyone that helped the students! 

Students at Marty Indian School have been undergoing testing and grading to identify the student’s starting level this year so teachers can plan their lessons according to their skill levels. They now have a new social studies and a science teacher.
The snack program at Marty is operating and we’re so thankful for the $2000 raised by Penny N’s doll clothing donation program this year. Members of SFK sew doll clothes and send them to Penny; she posts pictures on Facebook group page for other members who want doll clothes for the dolls they are sending to SFK sites. Our members send the cutest dolls to many areas around the Rez. Penny packages and mails the requested items to the SFK member in exchange for a donation to Lakota Friends Circle for the Marty Snack Fund. The dolls or stuffed animals are given as Christmas gifts or for children in crisis.        

It’s hard to imagine that we’re asking for winter wear when the country is still experiencing hot weather and hurricanes but winter will arrive on the Rez, sometimes when it’s least expected, so we want families to be prepared when it does. Nights and mornings are already cooler.

All areas we serve will need warm items but sizes and needs will vary depending on location.  At the start of school, the tribe provides some family funding for the child. Kids have to be enrolled in school and to receive the money, they must provide proof of enrollment . Also they must provide receipts so that the tribe ensures that money is used for the child not for some parent’s habits. Needs arise during the winter season so why having a few extra items is great. We, at times ,have to send out another message re needs. New and gently used items in very good condition are welcome as long as they meet our donation guidelines.  Listed below are the items most requested.   Below that , is a review of each areas needs.

  • Clothing – Sew or purchase winter clothing, pants, sweatshirts, PJ’s, long underwear, heavy socks in sizes 3 months through adult 2X.
  • Outerwear – Winter coats, hoodies, snow pants, snowsuits, mittens/gloves, hats, cowls, infant through adult 2X
  • Boots – Snow or hiking type in sizes toddler through adult 12.
  • Blankets – Including quilts, fleece blankets, afghans, and receiving blankets for babies.  All sizes needed up to queen.
  • Christmas Gifts – Start working on or finishing up gifts if you started early.

Marty Indian School Hoodies are needed which are great for layering to stay warm in poorly heated homes.  Also they are good to have when kids lose their winter coat or someone else uses it in the family. SFK members have donated lots of warm clothing recently but we’re waiting for a final inventory of the Buffalo Shoppe to see if any sizes are missing.  It’s so important that students have access to decent clothing if needed so they can feel good about themselves and attend school with confidence.  Shoes/ boots are the most pressing need. Sizes needed will be on the SFKV Facebook site . Hiking boots are not wanted as kids can not play in them. Sporty tennis shoes are great, , canvas does not work in winter . Also boots need to be waterproof . Shoes and boots can be gently used but new is best, especially in shoes , as everyone molds the shoe to their foot.

Bright Start and RST Maternal and Child Health, our baby programs on Pine Ridge and Rosebud respectively, both need hats, mittens, snowsuits or warm coats, sleepers, sleep sacks, toddler pjs and warm tops and pants , socks for babies and toddlers -3 months to 4T for daywear. RST would especially appreciate the toddler sizes . Toddlers are a great age to sew for, babies too, They do not have as many toddler items as they need and they are getting a lot of requests for that age. Warm blankets for babies, youth and  twin sizes for moms are always needed.  Moms can also use gloves, scarves/gators/cowls, and hats as well.

White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society domestic abuse shelter on Rosebud Reservation and Wanblee’s Children, Youth and Elders can both use everything on the list above.  The shelter serves clients from babies to adults as well as community residents needing assistance, so they can use all sizes from baby to adult men and women. Jerome High Horse in Wanblee Child, Youth and Elder program will let us know of any special needs for families in his area but the items mentioned are always welcome as there is always someone who comes knocking.  

Gather Our Children Home Immediate needs are warm clothing in sizes 18 months to 3 years They are helping Child Protective Services ( CPS) clothe the babies that come in and need fostering, so their supply dwindles continually. Not all babies get admitted to the home as babies are easier to place. They also need some larger coats for 2 girls who have been there or over a year There is a push to get them placed. They wear size 20-26 . Sizes vary according to the ages of children they are currently caring for.  Having a range of sizes ensures they can clothe all ages of children they serve newborn to age 12 years and provide school clothing for those old enough to attend.  They can take clothes in all those sizes. Clothing and other items are sent home with children that are either returning to their home or being placed in a foster home.  Some children are there for respite care for a few weeks. Occasionally they do get requests from needy families in the Porcupine Community or a foster home parent , for items such as diapers , formula or a warm coat, hat or mittens etc.

Reservation Outreach is short on waterproof mittens/gloves to fit children aged 2-13 years which will be used to fill stockings for children attending one of their two Christmas parties.  Please send any donations to their Arkansas address here by the end of October.  You can also make a monetary donation to Lakota Friends Circle , making a note of who your gift is for.  Those donations will be sent to Reservation Outreach so they can purchase whatever is still needed: gloves, food for the party or pantry, or toys for their Christmas Shop on Pine Ridge where parents can shop for gifts.  

November is the month to finish up any Christmas gifts you’re working on and get them mailed to their final destination.  Marty Indian School will have a Christmas shop in the Buffalo Shoppe where kids can buy gifts for their family members so donations of small toys, puzzles, games, legos ( big request) etc are needed. Some of the warm accessories listed above can also be used for gifts. We will post another blog toward the end of the month that will have gift needs for all areas. Some areas save items sent throughout the year, if not needed at the time, to give away as gifts at Christmas.

Mailing addresses for the areas we serve can be found here.  Many thanks to our kind and generous donors for helping families stay warm this winter!  Cold homes are not much fun but that is the reality for most families on the Rez. 

School Supplies Needed

Aug4

It’s almost time for the new school year to begin across South Dakota and we’ve been receiving requests for school supplies from the areas we serve.  We would love to get the supplies sent this month so students have what they need when school begins.  Below is a list of specific needs for each area.

Marty Indian Elementary School 

They are estimating about 75 students for this year.   

  • Plastic Folders – paper ones get destroyed too easily.
  • Crayons, Colored Pencils and Washable Markers – Markers in both sizes.
  • Pens and Pencils – pencils preferably without the paper wrapping, they’re destroying the pencil sharpeners.
  • Scissors – larger size (not dressmaker) with points such as these.  They have plenty of the smaller size safety scissors for younger students.
  • Backpacks larger sizes
  • Erasers – pencil topper type
  • Hand Sanitizer and Kleenex
  • cloth pencil case
  • Staples
  • Colored paper – construction paper and white/colored cardstock
  • Index Cards – both white and colors
  • Water Bottles – For half the students, 30-40.
  • Glue – both in bottles and glue sticks.
  • Chapstick and Cough Drops – A constant need for the entire school year.
  • Lice Hair Treatment Spray
  • Combs and Brushes
  • Shampoo, Soap and Lotion – Always needed throughout the year.

Another organization will be supplying notebooks and lined paper so those won’t be needed for now. 

Bright Start 

Mary Mousseau needs help with 12 moms who are in some type of education classes ranging from 8th grade through college.

  • Wide lined paper
  • Planners – small
  • Pencils, Pens and Markers – Fine line markers, 
  • Plastic Folders
  • ZipLoc Bags – all sizes, any brand
  • Rulers
  • Basic calculator
  • Dictionary
  • Backpack or Tote
  • Hand Sanitizer and Kleenex

RST Maternal and Child Health

Sandi Wilcox sees 20-25 families per month and moms and kids in the family need supplies.

  • Notebooks and Wide Lined Paper
  • Crayons and Washable Markers – fine tip markers only
  • Glue – bottle and sticks
  • Pens, Pencils, Erasers and Rulers
  • Scissors – larger for older students
  • Plastic Folders
  • Basic Calculator
  • Backpack or Tote Bag
  • Pencil Cases

 Wanblee Child, Youth and Elder Program

They have requested school bags for 100 students.  Running Strong, NAHA and Families Working Together, located in Wanblee, will most likely supply filled backpacks/bags for students as they do every year.  No bag will go to waste as kids need school supplies throughout the year but we can’t give a definite number needed with all of the other donations being made.  If they receive more than needed , the surplus will go to students in the outlying areas and over the border on Rosebud Reservation (Corn Creek).  Those students do attend Crazy Horse school even though they don’t live in Wanblee. 

Maggie’s House

They are busy with education classes for youth at the Pow Wow this week but said they would love to have supplies for about 15 students.

  • Notebooks and Wide Lined Paper
  • Colored Pencils
  • Glue – both forms
  • Pens, Pencils, Erasers and Rulers
  • Scissors – For older students
  • Basic Calculator
  • Backpack or Tote Bag
  • Plastic Folders
  • Pencil Cases

Gather Our Children Home

Linda B has graciously offered to purchase all the school supplies needed for children at the home attending school.  Thank you Linda!

White Buffalo Calf Woman’s Society

They have about 30-35 clients and their kids if they have them, each month and they help those community people who ask for help with needs. 72 of each item was recommended . Permanent markers , white out tape they only need for the office not 72 of each. Ruled tablet paper in a package can divided and placed in the folders so 72 packages not needed unless it’s a thin package.

  • Ruled tablet paper
  • Erasers (chunk or pencil toppers)
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Pens (black & blue)
  • #2 pencils
  • Crayons
  • Scissors (blunt & pointed)
  • Glue (school & regular)
  • Rulers (6″ & 12″)
  • Pencil boxes/pouches
  • Backpacks
  • Folders (paper or plastic)
  • Markers (water-based)
  • Markers permanent
  • White Out tape

Preparing for a new school year is an exciting time for students but it can also be very stressful and embarrassing for families that don’t have the extra funds to provide everything their children need.  Thank you for making their lives just a little bit easier this school year and for your continued generosity to the areas we serve. Mailing addresses for areas can be found here    

Thanks as always from Sew For Kids/Lakota Friends Circle .