More on Letters to Santa

Hello:

I back dated this post so it wouldn't push everything else off my home page. This is a continuation of Liguori Publications participation in the Cheyenne River Reservation Letters to Santa program. If you've come directly to this post - PLEASE READ THIS FIRST.

Before I let you go, I'd like to feature another Liguori title that makes a great Christmas gift for the little ones. The ABC's of Christmas by Francine M. O'Connor and Illustrated by Bartholomew is a beautifully illustrated hardback that may be cherished for years to come.

Peace,

P. Del Ricci - Dark Glass


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About the Cheyenne River Youth Project:

You can read more about the project at the Mission Sponsorship table or the table by the Copy Area [these are Liguori references]. The Youth Project also has a website - http://www.lakotayouth.org/

The Main as the youth center is called, provides a safe, alcohol, drug and tobacco free environment which is both mentally and physically supportive for these children. Currently, the Cheyenne River Youth Project operates two programs. The Main is a youth drop in center that is open seven days a week providing alternative recreational activities along with sports, arts & crafts, as well as other support services. The center provides a home like environment where children can feel comfortable and safe. Within the center is a large recreation area where the children watch movies, create their arts & crafts, play games and eat their meals. We also have a library where the children can read and study.

Christmas Toy Drive:

Each year, the Cheyenne River Youth Project assists hundreds of Cheyenne River Reservation families to provide gifts for their children on Christmas Day. Thanks, in large part, to a grant from the national non-profit Running Strong for American Indian Youth, and many other private donors, service groups and churches, CRYP collects donations of new gifts to be hand- delivered by volunteers on Christmas Day. This is no ordinary toy drive. The Cheyenne River Youth Project collects the children's Christmas Lists and sends them off to all of our wonderful and thoughtful donors who take the time to choose gifts that are especially on those wish lists. Each child in the program receives at least one gift that they had asked for and hoped for, in the last months, to be waiting under the Christmas tree. For some of our families, these are the only gifts that will be received, and often times the volunteers delivering are met with cries of excitement and joy that are unparalleled the rest of the year. Without the help of so many dedicated people all over the country, many families would not experience the joy of seeing their children unwrap the very things that they wished for on their Christmas List. The Christmas Toy Drive is about more than just getting „things.“ It is about realizing dreams, though they may be small, and providing for our families where they are met with difficulties. If you or your firm/company would like to receive Christmas Lists from the children this year, please contact the youth center for details.
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How do I adopt a letter?:

1. Adopt a letter (or two) by logging it out at the Mission Sponsorship table or the table by the Copy Area. Please don't forget to log it out.

2. Buy at least one gift the child asked for. Each letter indicates the child's clothing sizes. Clothing and any practical items (such as warm blankets) are needed and appreciated also.

3. Please do not wrap them. The Youth Center will take care of that.

4. Please tape the child's first and last name to EACH gift.

5. Please do not put your name on the gifts. The gifts are from Santa.

6. Bring your gifts to Liguori by Friday, December 2nd.


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How can I help if I don't adopt a letter?:

1. "Gently worn" children's coats are greatly needed - but if your own child would not wear it, please do not send it to these children.

2. "Gently worn" but current Prom dresses are very popular. The girls have an overnight "Passion for Fashion" where they help each other with their hair and make up. Any Prom dress that your own daughter would be happy to wear will be greatly appreciated.

3. Like any charity the Cheyenne River Youth Project can always use money but right now they are really focused on gifts for the children. The nearest Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart is 98 miles away from the youth center.

4. Wrapping paper, gifts bags and gift tags help make Christmas that much more special.

5. Beds, mattresses and box springs in good condition.

6. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels etc.

7. Gently used hardback books for their library.