Looking for a good deed to do?

[cloudy]

I know it's very close to Christmas, but I'm hoping that some of that lovely feeling of goodwill towards everyone may last a little longer than just til this Saturday.

There's a Lakota reservation in the Dakotas called Pine Ridge. The people that live there are desperately poor - in fact, it's the poorest county in the United States. Many of the people there have no running water, no electricity, and one of the leading causes of death for their elderly is freezing to death. It's absolutely appalling that people have to live this way in this day and age.

If you could help at all, it is so appreciated. Every little bit helps. I crochet afghans while I watch television, and I recently sent a load of blankets up that way. It's not much, only a drop in the bucket actually, but I feel compelled to help in whatever way I can.

There's a group of people that have organized the efforts to help at Friends of Pine Ridge, and another good site that shows how even little things are appreciated is here: Small Things.

I wish I had posted this earlier, but it just now occurred to me to bring it to everyone's attention.

This blurb is straight from one of their pages, and shows just a glimpse of how appalling this situation is:

The Pine Ridge Reservation is considered the poorest in the country. Located south of the Badlands, with its depleted soil, scarce natural resources and harsh climate, 35,000 Americans are forced to live.

This is a vast, nearly treeless land far from industry, cities and resources. Jobs are scarce and often far away. Transportation is a problem.

* The average yearly income is $3,600

* The unemployment rate is 85%.

* Diabetes affects 33% of the population, including children and elderly.

* The average life expectancy is second lowest in the world: 48 for males and 56 for females.

* Freezing is a leading cause of death.

Native Americans have enriched our nation throughout history. The first settlers would not have survived without their help. As a group they have more U.S. military veterans per capita than any other ethnic group in our country.

They are survivors of a profound holocaust that occurred right here in the land of freedom.

In the midst of all this desperation, there is hope.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

I will do what I can. In this season of so much, giving should not be limited to the home.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Any little bit helps right? Even when it's not Chistmas.

 

[Belegon]

South Dakota is damn cold in winter period, but especially late Jan. thru Feb. Time enough to get some blankets there...

 

[cloudy]

Thanks, y'all, from the bottom of my heart. It just makes me cry when I think about the conditions these people live in.

 

[cloudy]

*bump*

 

[cloudy]

bumping, again.

C'mon, you guys....I know there's many kind-hearted people here.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

bump for joy.

 

[elbiscayne]

i have bookmarked both sites and will do what I can. going to sturgis may mean more than just 'party' in the future.

 

[cloudy]

i have bookmarked both sites and will do what I can. going to sturgis may mean more than just 'party' in the future.

Thank you.

 

[impressive]

Of course. Will do what I can.

 

[cloudy]

Of course. Will do what I can.

Thanks, Imp.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Time and funds are tight right now, but I just bookmarked the sites so I remember to go back after the holidays when I can afford to give a little.

 

[cloudy]

Time and funds are tight right now, but I just bookmarked the sites so I remember to go back after the holidays when I can afford to give a little.

I really do appreciate it, CD.

On the site "Small Things" they even mention the free toothbrushes and toothpaste your dentist gives you....one woman talked her dentist into giving her twenty sets, and she sent those. Every little bit helps tremendously when conditions are as bad as they are for these folks.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I really do appreciate it, CD.

On the site "Small Things" they even mention the free toothbrushes and toothpaste your dentist gives you....one woman talked her dentist into giving her twenty sets, and she sent those. Every little bit helps tremendously when conditions are as bad as they are for these folks.

I didn't make it that far. I got into the 'Utilities' page and saw that the current temp there was -4. I decided that was where my funds wew going. No child or elder should be without heat when it is that cold. (Or ever without heat, actually.)

 

[dr_mabeuse]

I don't knit, but I sent them some money. Money earned from porn, I might add (with pride.)

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help, Cloudy.

Merry Xmas,

---dr.M.

 

[cloudy]

I didn't make it that far. I got into the 'Utilities' page and saw that the current temp there was -4. I decided that was where my funds wew going. No child or elder should be without heat when it is that cold. (Or ever without heat, actually.)

You're a doll....thank you.

 

[impressive]

I don't knit, but I sent them some money. Money earned from porn, I might add (with pride.)

Kudos, dr.M.

I decided a long time ago if I ever got paid for writing smut, the cash was going to charity. Of course, I doubt I'll ever get paid.

 

[cloudy]

I don't knit, but I sent them some money. Money earned from porn, I might add (with pride.)

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help, Cloudy.

Merry Xmas,

---dr.M.

Thanks, Dr. M.....and a Merry Christmas to you, as well.

 

[nikkijames]

Will bookmark the site and chech it out later. I'm sure I can help out somehow.

 

[cloudy]

Will bookmark the site and chech it out later. I'm sure I can help out somehow.

Thank you.

 

[SeaCat]

My wife and I send out a package every three months, or to the Southwest Indian Foundation. (One year my father was heading down to the Arizona area so we loaded four wood stoves my parents, my wife and I had recovered and fixed up in his trailor to be delivered to one of the reservations down there.)

Cat

 

[cloudy]

My wife and I send out a package every three months, or to the Southwest Indian Foundation. (One year my father was heading down to the Arizona area so we loaded four wood stoves my parents, my wife and I had recovered and fixed up in his trailor to be delivered to one of the reservations down there.)

Cat

Thanks, Seacat....it seems you're one of the few that realizes how bad these people have it - it's heartbreaking.

Thank you for helping.

 

[SeaCat]

Thanks, Seacat....it seems you're one of the few that realizes how bad these people have it - it's heartbreaking.

Thank you for helping.

My father lived in New Mexico years ago and got to see it first hand. He never forgot, and when I was old enough to understand he took me on a trip down there. I learned a lot of history, as well as how bad off some people are. I too never forgot.

Cat

BTW Here is South West Indian Foundations website. Yes they do seel things on it. (You can even order a cataloge from them.) However they do accept direct donations as well. They explain it pretty well in their website. scSouth West Indian Foundation

 

[Boxlicker101]

I don't knit, but I sent them some money. Money earned from porn, I might add (with pride.)

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help, Cloudy.

Merry Xmas,

---dr.M.

I have never made any money from porn but I will be sending them some of it anyhow. My wife and I are in the process of buying a new house and now I feel almost guilty.