Hello Everyone,
After 3,604 miles we arrived back in Dayton
the night of September 7, 2008 around 11:00 PM. Although we were tired and excited to be home we were reluctant. There were
a number of “first” this year and I’d have to say it was due to the caring people of the organization and
community support.
The biggest “first” was when the owner
of Aaron’s Trucking of Springfield called and said he’d donate the use of a Tractor and trailer if we could cover
his expenses. The Thursday before we were to leave he had delivered to SunWatch a 48 ft. trailer for us to fill. We need to
thank several members of Many Voice, Ray Roach and Maurice Hotain, for mentioning the work of the Miami Valley Council and
of the importance of our outreach. The money saved meant shopping for school supplies, my wife spend Friday empting shelves.
FYI, if you ever go to Meijer planning on purchasing a large quantity of anything, be prepared to stand for awhile, as they
have to scan each item. The cashier got a little upset with me when she asked me how many boxes of crayons I had, 500 and
750 spiral notebooks and 700 loose leaf paper oh yeah I forgot the 550 rulers. She was excited to take a break when she ran
out of register paper and had to wait awhile.
Another biggie was that we surpassed our fundraising
goal which allowed us to purchase items that weren’t being donated, erasers, scissors, protractors, rulers and calculators.
Which presented another “first” for us; we had supplies leftover which we donated to the Head Start Program in
McLaughlin.
In the end, we were able to handout supplies to
2,132 students. Our number was down which is due to the fact that there are other organizations now visiting the reservations.
We had none of the clothing left on Friday which is another “first” for us. People were asking if we would be
coming back soon. I told them “no” as it is becoming harder and harder for us as an organization.
Communities we served:
On Cheyenne River – Eagle Butte and Bridger
On Rosebud – Soldier Creek
On Crow Creek – Ft. Thompson
On Standing Rock – Bear Soldier (McLaughlin),
Wakpala, Rock Creek (McIntosh) and Selfridge
Another biggie was several students ask if they
could go to the college.
In this country, the one true right we are afforded is the right to an education.
There is more to tell and I truly hope to see you
at the Meeting on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 4:00 PM. The meeting is going to be at The Community of Christ Church on
Grange Hall Rd. I think it’s going to be a Potluck so come with a dish to share and be sure to come hungry.
Thanks to each and all of you. Guy Jones,
2008
