Another Plea, Another Need, Another Way to Help

This time my cause is the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and specifically… as always, the children who live there. I saw the ABC News 20/20 special – A Hidden America: Children of the Plains. Just the evening news clip had me in tears. I can’t embed the ABC video, and I looked for pictures, but there just aren’t any that fit. They seem too manipulative, or out of place. There is a slideshow you can click through, or videos to watch. I do hope you’ll look at a few. (*Note, the video is the episode, so it might be available only to those in the US. You might be able to watch the clips though.)

I don’t see how you can read some of these things and not be touched. For example, a six-year-old girl, who wants fresh water. You guys! Fresh water. Water. This from a little girl who lives in South Dakota.

“If she could, she’d ask President Obama for ‘Fresh water…and bubble gum…and a backpack.’”

  • Forty-seven percent of the Pine Ridge population lives below the federal poverty level
  • It is the poorest county in the USA. The average family income is just $3,700 per year.
  • 65  to 80 percent of the adults are unemployed
  • 80 to 90 percent of adults suffer from alcoholism
  • There’s an obesity epidemic
  • The director of the sole substance abuse program on the reservation said children have their first drink as young as five or six
  • Pine Ridge has the highest teen suicide rate in the US

I don’t even have words for that situation. You can read more about it here, and here.

And then there’s this. If you can believe it, Subway was their best bet for nutrition. I scoffed, until I heard the rest. In fact, this is something that happened shortly after the first Subway opened. A customer – an elderly Lakota woman.

“She came in here and literally was crying because of what having this kind of a store or food restaurant in the community meant,” Banks said. “Not only because you see people investing in our own community, but also because, she said, ‘I haven’t eaten a cucumber in years because they’re so expensive.'”

It broke my heart that she not only considered cucumbers and expensive food, but that she hadn’t had one for years because she couldn’t afford one.

You can read the article and see the video. The average life expectancy is 58 for men, 66 for women. Fifty eight. … If I and my family lived there, not only would my dad, and all my uncles be dead… some of my cousins would be dead too – assuming they made it to the maximum life expectancy. It’s the lowest in the entire country. Some sources have an even lower number.

Sixty percent of all households in Pine Ridge qualify for public assistance. Eligible households can get monthly “commodity boxes” – which only contain “canned meats, cheese, with limited options for fruits and vegetables, and a lot of starchy carbohydrates.” Mind, the Lakota are only about ~150 years from being hunter/gatherers. (Which explains the obesity problems.)

I wanted to say “if you can believe it…” but I’m actually not surprised. Al Jazeera reported about the area well over a year ago. You can see the news clip. And yes, this made me cry. And this… well… it’s just tragic. Over a year ago the international community has known about this situation. It’s already been brought to the attention to the United Nations. I’m a little ashamed, and upset that I didn’t know about this until now. As in, this particular place, and just how bad it is.

And yet, there are some incredible, amazing, and inspiring children.

What’s the point of this?

Well, there are numerous ways to help. In fact there are numerous organizations you can look into here.

One thing I think pretty much everyone can do, is collect the “Box Tops for Education” – at least in the states. They’re on probably half the household items you buy regularly.  I don’t know if products internationally have them. I checked the Red Cloud Indian School site and they’re trying to save up for resources for the children. For the box tops – check the last bullet point here. I’ve got a pile I’d been saving, and it’s perfect that I can mail them in.

I wanted to do something, but wasn’t sure what, or if you guys would be receptive to it considering I just had the “Social Media for Social Good 2011” drive not long ago. But as you’ll remember, I try to bring up worthy causes when I hear of them.

To be honest… I’m not in a great financial position either. In fact, the SMSG11 total is more than quadruple what I made in 2010. :X Nevertheless, I know I’m lucky, and I’m not in dire need of anything in particular. I also want to raise awareness – so, I’m asking for you to read this, to share it, comment, and possibly see what else you can do. You can also give monetarily to Red Cloud School  – which I like because it’s a 501c3. If you’d like to join me in a monetary donation, they have a site here. Or you can write them a check. I looked into the school as much as I could. They’re not on Charity Navigator, but they do have a BBB rating. I spent days looking over these things, trying to find information on charities, and which would be the best most responsible one to donate to. I did see the school spent 63%, instead of the required 65% of total expenses on program service activities. If any one of you can find a better organization, with the financial etc information, I will be happy to donate my money there. (I’m in for $25. I’d say $25 for 50 comments… but we all know I’ll give regardless.)

Lastly, full credit to Sarah M. Anderson who gave me this final nudge to write this post/ask all of you to give a little too. With this tweet, my mind was made up. How could I resist spending $500 of someone else’s money for charity? Well, I couldn’t and I can’t. Sarah has decided to give to Lakota Pine Ridge Children’s Enrichment Project, Ltd.  which is also a 501c3. They also collect toys, clothing, books, and school supplies. For all the readers in us, the books part is very appealing as well. And it also means anyone who can’t give money, can still give in other ways. Perhaps instead of the local good will, ship one bag over to LPRCEP. Or a similar organization. (*I looked LPRCEP up on Charity Navigator, and the BBB, but they aren’t listed – I’m guessing merely because they’re a small and relatively new organization.)

I’d love if you would join us. Let me know what you’re planning to do – donating money, items, to which organization, etc. Thanks so much for your generosity, and for always letting me get on my little bleeding heart soap box. <3 I’m going to say let’s make this a two week push, okay? And see what we can do between now and November 3rd.

Life is a circle and we as common people are created to stand within it and not on it. I am not just of the past but I am the past. I am here. I am now and I will be for tomorrow. – Lakota Saying

0 thoughts on “Another Plea, Another Need, Another Way to Help

  1. Becky Ward

    These are a couple places that I had help out about a year and half ago. I am planning on sending them some Box Tops for Education. In the past I had sent them some of and I had also purchase books for them. I always went out to Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation website which is their address is: http://www.FriendsofPineRidgeReservation.org . From this site I would check to see what they need. They would list which books they needed for which school and where to send it to. It is sad to hear about this.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Becky,

      You’re fantastic. I saw Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation as well. I tried to see if they were a 501c3 as well, but couldn’t find the information and it was getting lengthy. I do like that they list specific needs – and saw what was on the list.

      Thank you for sharing, I’m definitely going to look into more kid books – I loved reading as a kid.

      Reply
  2. wendy

    i live in minnesota, i work for the table games department for a casino. we do a season of giving poker tournament to raise toys and food half of what we raise goes to pine ridge.

    this is a great cause and i thank u for doing this.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Wendy,

      That’s fantastic that there are charity tournaments giving to Pine Ridge! I read through a lot of stuff, and government money is (supposed) to go to the reservations and people, but by the time it’s through all the red tape and people, it seems there really isn’t anything left.
      It’s also sad how very regulated their land is – the legalize is a nightmare I can only imagine.

      Thanks for your comment, and it’s always lovely to hear about good things out there. I feel so disconnected when I learn about things like this happening “in my own back yard.”

      Reply
  3. Liz

    I watched the 20/20 segment with my 9 year old daughter. She was completely spell bound by the children and all that they suffer. It has always tugged on my conscious when people in the states donate to other countries when there are starving and needy people right here in our own backyard. I’m going to look into the children’s enrichment project and get my daughter involved. Thanks for the post, Lime. You clearly have a tender heart and I enjoyed your “soapbox”.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Liz,

      Oh, you’re wonderful for watching it with your daughter. Isn’t it sad how many people just don’t care? I’m sure it’s normal for you to do meaningful things, but I’m giving you major props and kudos. You’re doing a great job parenting!
      I think it’s absolutely lovely your daughter wants to get involved as well. I hope it’s not presumptuous, but if you’d ever like to write a post about it, I’d more than love to have you do a guest spot.

      You put a total smile on my face. 🙂

      Reply
      1. Liz

        I’d be honored. My daughter and I have been looking through our winter things already but will be sending books, too. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks again for the original post. It’s so wonderful to see people come together for such a great cause.

        Reply
  4. Sarah M. Anderson

    Lime, what a touching post. Thank you so much for helping shine a light on this situation. Together, we can make a difference! I’m so thrilled to be kicking off the drive with a $500 donation, but even if others can’t afford that amount, taking $20 and hitting a thrift store and buying clean, gently used coats, boots, and books will make a world of difference to a child. Plus you get the fun of shopping! This is a win/win situation, so I hope everyone will find a way to help out! Many gracious thanks!
    Sarah M. Anderson.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Sarah – thank YOU for that final push! I’m really hoping we raise awareness and get the ball rolling – because we all know “following the crowd” is normal behavior… and it’s great when it’s for a good cause!
      I’m going to do another scour-round for box tops to send in too. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Myrna Mackenzie

    Just donated $50. What a good cause!

    I don’t think anyone needs to feel guilty, either, for donating to people in other countries. Children are children and people are people wherever they are, and no one wants to see children suffer. We are one world.

    Thank you for bringing this to the attention of those (like me) who missed seeing the ABC special.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Myrna – WOW! Thank you for your generosity. And, good point – I think it’s too easy to get bogged down with… well everything. There’s need always, and doing something – anything – to help is the most important. Which you did.

      Thank you. <3

      Reply
  6. Karen C

    I didn’t see the special either and will plan to do something – I just need to read through all this information you collected to make it easier for us. Thanks, Lime.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Thank you so much, Karen! I’d love – if you get a chance – for you to stop by and tell us what you decided to do. Also, please let me know if there are any questions I can answer, or anything I can help with!

      Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Bobbie – commenting is great, and hey – sending in box tops is huge too! I’m guilty of tossing some – whether from just not thinking, or whatever. They’re on so many products – so I bet you’d come up with a significant amount just going through what you have in your house! I recently started cutting them off Kleenex boxes before I recycle the remains. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Laura Raycraft

    I will be donating money but will also look at sending school supplies/clothing. Thanks for putting out the word.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Thank you so much, Laura! I have to admit I’m totally tempted to go “school supply shopping” as well. I love that time of year, and will definitely have to remember Pine Ridge kids/schools the next season ’round!

      Reply
  8. Mary Dieterich

    I will be donating money to the Lakota Enrichment Project. I’m sure I can find some items to ship to them as well. My friend Sarah M. Anderson has brought the conditions on the reservations to my attention, and I hope everyone takes the times to support one of these worthy organizations.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Mary, isn’t Sarah wonderful? I’m so glad she messaged me to say she wanted to start off the blog push with a donation. And I agree – any one of the organizations listed or linked to can do a lot of good, and all of them obviously can use any aid given! Thank you for your generosity!

      Reply
  9. Carolyn Lucas

    Thanks to you and Sarah for championing this cause..A donation and some thrift store shopping will occur…………….
    Carolyn Lucas

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Carolyn, thank YOU! And woohoo! Thrifting! Maybe you’ll find something awesome for you too – just to have, a costume, or whatever!
      Let us know if you find any gems! 😉

      Reply
  10. Pingback: Eli’s Book Depository Winner « Limecello

  11. dkzody

    I too have had my heart broken for this cause and today went to Salvation Army and bought warm clothing to send this weekend. I am adding information to my FB and Twitter posts about this. Have not blogged about it yet as I cannot find the right words and emotions. You have done an excellent job.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Thank you so much, dkzody! Also, well done – I’m so not on the ball, and wish I could be as prompt as you are! Hopefully we spread the word and some people who hadn’t known about the situation will be moved to give!

      Reply
  12. TJ

    Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have family who live there and I have been trying forever to get the elite media to take notice. I even emailed 20/20 over a year ago when I saw Diane Sawyer’s special on the Children of Appalachia to tell them about the situation at Pine Ridge with the teen suicide rate at 150 times the national avg and the rampant alcoholism and drug addiction. The children are starving and food they get is below the US recommended daily allowance. Our US government do not care and the majority of Americans do not care. But, I come on here and read all about what everyone is doing and it makes me cry tears of joy. Thank you for all your help. I recorded the show and its still on my DVR, I will try and find a way to transfer it and if all goes well I will let everyone know where its posted. Philamayaye (thank you in Lakota).

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      TJ – oh gosh. Your comment humbled me. I’m doing so very little – but I’m glad I know about it now. Please keep us updated, and thank you for commenting.

      I really hope that with the extra attention and awareness some change for good will occur.

      Reply
  13. Amy Short

    What an amazing thing you are doing! I have a TON of gently used clothes that I was saving back for a yard sale. Many items are new and several of the girls clothing and shoes still have tags on them. I will have to look through your information to find out how to get it to them. This is something that could even be addressed to our local schools. Asking parents of students to donate supplies, clothing, etc. I guess the biggest part of it would be shipping the donations. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Amy! Wow! How fortuitous! Oh, and that is a fantastic idea for asking local schools to get involved! I’d LOVE to hear about that if you and your friends get that started in your area.
      For the shipping of donations – which organization were you planning on sending them to? Lakota Pine Ridge Children’s Enrichment Project? Or Friends of Pine Ridge? I don’t normally ship clothes… but I know they’re lighter than books…. Anyway I’m not quite sure what you’re asking?
      You can print your own shipping labels from USPS, or get their priority flat rate boxes…

      Reply
  14. Carla

    We just sent boxes of school supplies to Pine Ridge. My kids collect for back to school to donate and none of our local schools replied. We shipped 1000 folders, 50 boxes of crayons, 2000 erasers, 50 bottles of glue, 400 mechanical pencils, a couple dozen highlighters, and some markers and arts and craft stuff.
    We loved to see that they were looking for hats and gloves, my 9 year old loves to collect his favorites and give them to other kids.
    We also had a ton of box tops just waiting for a taker. (Our local school no longer accepts.)

    Thanks for doing all the leg work for us lazy bones. 😉

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Carla!!! Are you kidding me?! <3 <3 <3 My eyes just kept getting bigger and bigger as I read this comment! You and your kids are AWESOME!!! And what? Lazy bones? Yeah… um, you put me to shame!
      Your 9 year old sounds amazing. Your family, in fact. 😀 I'm beside myself – you single handedly provided so much for so very many kids!!!
      Thank you thank you thank you for your generosity!

      Reply
  15. Pingback: National Make a Difference Day! « Limecello

  16. Mary M.

    Lime, our church has been having a relationship with Pine Ridge for several years now. We have a group from our congregation that travels there to help with repairs and maintenance of buildings, especially for the elderly. The pastor from Pine Ridge comes here to lead services at least twice a year, and we ship back lots of gently used and new warm clothing with him. Part of our offering goes to help with parish programs there to help the young and the old.
    Unfortunately, the need is very great, and Pine Ridge is only one of several “rez”s with poor infrastructure and little if any resources to help families stay healthy, both mentally and physically! Thank you for making a difference, yet again!

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Mary,

      That’s so great that your church has a partnership with Pine Ridge! It’s always so easy to overlook need “at home” – even in our own (literal) back yard. I can’t even imagine what the gust pastor’s sermons are like.
      Thank you for already doing something, and for leaving your comment. How encouraging!

      Reply
  17. Carolyn Lucas

    I just sent a fifty dollar donation to the Red Cloud Indian School through information on your blog. It was easy.And I wonder, if I mail things, can I enclose a big bag of bubble gum???? Also, how young can the kid’s books be? Thanks..Carolyn

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Carolyn! Wow! Thank you so much – that’s incredibly generous! You know, I bet you could tuck in a pack of bubble gum and whoever got it would be incredibly happy. 😉
      As for books… I’d guess they need them for any age group – from the picture books/just about to learn how to read to YA ones. You’re the best!

      Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Hi Kathi,

      Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comment! It’s so nice to see how many people are out there already helping. (Sad though how great the need is, isn’t it?)
      And thank you for sharing yet another way to give!

      Reply
  18. Pingback: Last Call and a Winner! « Limecello

  19. Cynthia Collander

    I have put together several boxes of adult winter type clothing that I was planning on taking to our local Goodwill. Having seen the ABC Special: “A Hidden America” on 20/20…..I was very moved by the Children of the Plains documentary, and the plight of those beautiful people. I cannot afford to send money, but thought the warm clothing might help. Do you have any suggestions about the best place to send them? Thank you for your blog about this show and the need for us to help.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Cynthia,

      Sorry for my delayed response! I know one organization that someone we “know” in the community has used before – author Sarah Anderson isthe Lakota Pine Ridge Children’s Enrichment Project, Ltd.http://lakotakids.blogspot.com/ – which is a 501c3 charity.

      Thank you so much for your generosity!

      Reply
  20. Pingback: Helping and Social Good « Limecello

  21. Pingback: A Thankful Thanksgiving (Touching Guest Post from Liz) « Limecello

  22. Pingback: Guest: Sarah M. Anderson « Limecello

Join the conversation!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.