OMS did a "Holiday Giveaway" to 4 families in Oglala and to 38 families in the community of Potato Creek which is between Kyle and Wanblee. This community was hit hard by the blizzard in late November, losing 700 power poles, all power, loss of water leaving them in a desperate situation with NO HELP FROM RED CROSS!

The coordinator of the latter was Merriam White Mouse. We set up the Penske truck at a very small "abandoned" Episcopal church building which had a large wood burning stove used for heat. There was a short introduction, a small talk and prayer by Richard Boyden and then a meal before we began unloading the gifts.

There were 2 turkeys per family, 3 large packs of chicken breasts per family, hot dogs, bologna, and about 4 thousand pounds of canned and dry goods, paper and hygiene and diaper products, clothing, blankets, quilts, and of course....LOTS OF TOYS for the children who for the first time in YEARS...had a "Christmas"! Also, 2 wood burning stoves, bikes, and not enough furniture. Thanks to everyone that helped. Thanks to Noland Road Hy-Vee for allowing us to set up our truck there. Thanks to the KC Star, KMBC, and MYFOX 4 for their support without which,  this trip was a blessed success. Most importantly, thank YOU God for the ultimate blessing which allowed for this trip to be successful!

 

 

     

 

Penske Truck in Front of Independence Mo Hy-Vee, local "gift givers", and Community of America girls who personally bought items for women and children! Thank you !

 

 

 

Loading up at Hy-Vee in Independence Missouri. "Gift Givers", Volunteer helpers and beginning of collection of gifts.

 

      

 

Hy-Vee Store Store Director Paul Hoppman on the left, beginning of unloading in Oglala at the home of Arlette Loud Hawk. No working hot water heater, no working stove, and finally a running toilet after 2 years..

 

      

 

Precious soul above is Harmony Loud Hawk on her new bike and with toys. The family of Arlette Loud Hawk did not think this would happen...we surprised them!

 

 

     

 

Unloading at Community of Potato Creek in "abandoned" Episcopal church...running out of room!

 

 

     

 

Truck is empty, "Toy Giveaway" begins, sorting of gifts for distribution which took two hours.

I apologize for the lack of photos as I was busy helping and coordinating from beginning to end. Again, thank you everyone for making this trip to Pine Ridge a success.

Please begin to collect monies for a "quantity" wood burning stove purchase. Thank You! Richard Boyden-Founder of OMS.