I spent a number of years collecting school supplies for a local organization via a corporate sponsored drive.  I can no longer physically collect, pack up, and load dozens of heavy boxes into my little car at any given time.  I am simply unable to do so.  But— What I can do is provide a group or individuals with enough information to choose how they can offer support to First Nation Reservation schools for the 2008 school year.

There are a number contacts/names, phone numbers, and addresses for Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Reservation schools in North and South Dakota, along with the Rosebud and Pine Ridge schools further south.  There’s also a dormitory and youth project that would benefit greatly by whatever assistance you are willing to make available. 

Charitable organizations have not faired well the last couple of years.  Even the most notable charities are suffering.  What with the economy the way it is—we’re either in a recession or we aren’t—call it what you may, we’re all victims of the soaring cost of living, job cut-backs, natural disasters, and quarterly reminders of big oil raking in HUGE profits.  And all with no clear end in sight.  

A recent evening news spot showed how a few families in the Ohio Valley are cutting back on school supplies for the coming year.  Mother’s and fathers are telling their children they need to use the 'same box of crayons' or 'glue sticks from last year,' and not to worry about those who have everything new.  They’re not purchasing everything that’s on "The List."  [see also: Rising prices beat down consumer spending in June] And this is from families who are used to living with theirs heads just above water.  Not rich— but getting by.

They are also the same kind of people I worked with for many years; who dropped off bag, after bag, after bag of supplies for children they would never know.  Their educations are on the line as well; those whose needs are as important now than ever before. 

I have no idea of the outcome of this effort.  But I could do nothing less than try.  I click to feed, provide books, mammograms, care, and protect habitat every day.  And have done so for many years.  It is in this spirit that I thought, 'why not utilize something similar with my website?' 

It’s not like I haven’t been working to have this up and running well before now.  But just today I remembered all things happen in due time.  Had this come any sooner, you may not have recognized it for what it means.  Besides, the need is greater now.  Of that I have no doubt.