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This thank you letter is from the Indigenous Program Manager of the Little Free Library organization and here’s how you can donate a book to an Indigenous Little Free Library.
December 22, 2023
Dear Chris & Generous Donors-
My name is Talia, I am the manager of the Indigenous library program at Little Free Library. We are a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.
Through our Indigenous library program we grant no-cost Little Free Library boxes full of books to Indigenous communities with limited book access, all across the US and Canada. Individuals who are a part of a tribal community or work for an organization that serves Indigenous people are invited to apply to the program. Awardees are given a library, a package of 50 books and paid shipping costs. In 2023 we awarded 50 packages, and in 2024 we are awarding 100 packages!
While we provide the books to get their library started, we know that many recipients live in what we call ‘book deserts’, areas where barriers exist to accessing books. I repeatedly hear from program recipients that book supply is an ongoing need. If they are located in a book desert, it can be difficult – or impossible, to keep their library stocked. Often, the little free library is the only source of books for the entire community. Thanks to your generosity, when a child or family visits a library, they can be sure that they will find a selection of high quality books written by Indigenous authors to choose from.
I am grateful for the partnership with Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation and all of you, who ensure that Indigenous kids know they are valued.
In gratitude,
Talia Miracle
Indigenous Library Program Manager
Little Free Library
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This thank you letter is from the Director of First Families Now, for the recently finished Blankets Drive for Pine Ridge Rez.
December 18, 2023
Dear Chris/Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation
Best,
First Families Now
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This thank you letter is from the Manager of the new domestic violence shelter on the Yurok Reservation, Yer’ ‘wo-‘ol, for the bathroom and kitchen supplies donation drives. We’re currently working on children’s supplies for them here if you can help!.
December 11, 2023
Dear Chris,
Thanks so much for all the donations for the Kitchen and Bathroom for the Yer’wo-ol’ – Abalone House – DV Shelter.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the thoughts and planning for the donations that were gathered. I really appreciate the assistance of your group.
Thank you very much.
Vicky Bates
DV Shelter Manager
Yurok Tribal Court
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Here’s a thank you from the Yurok Title VI Elder’s Nutrition Program!
December 5, 2023
Dear Chris,
Words cannot possibly begin to describe the appreciation and gratitude we feel here on the Yurok Reservation for the incredible and amazing response we have received from your donors! I wish I could take you up river to show you our elders’ winter pantries chock full of dry beans, canned goods, soup, peanut butter, pasta, canned vegetables and rice! They now have staples such as sugar, flour, oil, coffee, tea, powdered milk, jam, mayonnaise and parmesan cheese. Many of our elders have expressed gratitude for wintertime health and wellness items donated, such as cold medicines, adult diapers, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, face masks and even first aid kits! They truly appreciate the donated household items that are always so pricey for our elders such as laundry and dish soap, disinfectant cleaners and even toothpaste and new toothbrushes. The donated eyeglasses were extremely well received and will be used daily!
I wish I could take you and your donors with me on a tour of our elder service area up river to actually see where these lovely gifts and donations are delivered. Our reservation land consists of one mile on both sides of the Klamath River which stretches from the mouth of the river in Requa, up approximately 64 miles to Weitchpec. This land is beautifully rugged, the mountains are steep and the roads are often blocked by landslides when the rains begin in October. Many of our elders do not have electricity and depend on mountain streams for water. Their main source of heat in the wintertime is a good wood stove and it is not unusual to see elders outside spitting kindling! Many have generators, but again the price of gas for those generators is expensive and the distance to get the gas can be prohibitive. Many have solar panels, but in the wintertime here in the rain forest, full sun can be a rarity. Depending on where the elder lives, a trip to the nearest fully stocked grocery store can be 2 hours or more. And yet we proudly persevere! Our language, our culture, our love and appreciation for our beloved elders are all strong and donations from the beautiful people like your donors make all the difference!
Wok’hlew (thank you, with humble gratitude in Yurok) comes from the bottom of my heart. I will burn root and send up prayers of thanks for you and your donors Chris. I pray everyone has a healthy and happy holiday time.
Wok’hlew, Wok’hlew, Wok’hlew.
Laura Woods, Manager
Title VI Elder’s Nutrition Program
P.S. – To learn more about the Yurok Tribe and our people, visit our website:
https://www.yuroktribe.org/
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This thank you letter is from the Principal of Jack Norton Elementary School and Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School on the Yurok Reservation for general donations and Halloween goodies.
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This thank you letter is from the Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School on Pine Ridge Rez for our Halloween donations drive.
October 4, 2023
On behalf of the entire Our Lady of Lourdes community, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of Halloween decorations. Your kindness and thoughtfulness have brought a wave of excitement and joy to our students, staff, and families.
It is gestures like yours that remind us of the beauty of community and the power of coming together to create memorable experiences for our children. Halloween is a time of fun, creativity, and imagination, and thanks to your donations, our students will have an even more festive and vibrant celebration this year. Your support not only enhances the festive spirit but also strengthens the bond between the school and the wider community. We are truly blessed to have donors like you who are willing to go the extra mile to bring smiles to our students’ faces. Your generosity will be remembered and cherished by each student, teacher, and staff member who will enjoy the decorations.
Once again, thank you for your thoughtful donation. We invite you to join us for our Halloween celebration to witness firsthand the joy and happiness your contribution has brought to our school.
Wishing you all the best and many blessings,
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This thank you letter is from the Principal of Little Singer Community School on the Navajo Nation for our Halloween donations drive.
September 21, 2023
Hi Chris,
BOY!!!! Are the students excited – we have an October Committee that shared the information with the students and have made plans for a school Halloween party. Thank you so much for the supplies that were donated – it means a lot to every child. Without the donations, it would be very hard for the parents to send Halloween supplies.
Thank you so much!!!!
Little Singer Community School
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This thank you letter is from the Manager of the soon to open Domestic Violence Shelter on the Yurok Reservation for donations of clothing, boots, etc. to help a teen who urgently needed them.
September 21, 2023
Dear Chris,
A HUGE thank you to all that assisted with supporting the young man with the needs that he has received. He is so happy and comforted that there are so many people in this world that help out. He put the coat right on and used his new boots to fish the next morning. Thanks so much for being the people you are. It really warms my heart that there is still this community involvement and caring in the world.
Vicky Bates
DV Shelter Manager
Yurok Tribal Court
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This thank you letter is from the new Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School on Pine Ridge Rez for our School Supplies Drive.
September 5, 2023
Dear Chris:
My name is Tamera Miyasato and I am the new principal at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Porcupine, SD. I am writing on behalf of our students, families, and staff, to express our profound gratitude for the instrumental role you played in facilitating the generous donations we received. The support and dedication showcased by Friends of Pine Ridge reflect a commitment to education and the betterment of our community. This truly warms our hearts!
Because of your efforts, our students and faculty will directly benefit from enhanced educational resources and an environment that fosters holistic growth. We have already put much of the supplies to use in our classrooms. Such acts of kindness make a significant difference in the lives of our students and instill hope for a brighter tomorrow. We are deeply moved by the compassion and dedication you and your organization’s members have demonstrated towards our school.
Additionally, your actions have not just facilitated material donations but have also strengthened the spirit of community and shared responsibility, a priority focus for us as we model these things for our students. As we move forward, we remain excited about the positive changes that these donations will usher in, and we are committed to ensuring that each contribution is used to its maximum potential.
Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support. We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you in the future and will keep you updated on the progress and milestones we achieve, thanks to your support.
With deepest gratitude,
The students, families, and staff of Our Lady of Lourdes
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This thank you letter is from the Yurok Elders Nutrition Program for our ongoing Food Donation Drive for the elders on the Yurok Reservation.
August 30, 2023
Dear Chris,
Words cannot describe our humble gratitude to you and all the wonderful people who have so faithfully and generously donated to our program. The gifts of dry goods and personal hygiene products will serve to help our elders during these challenging times here on our reservation! As you may know, the nearly 100 elders our program serves each week are some of the most physically isolated and least served in our tribe. These elders are many miles from the nearest fully stocked grocery stores, hospitals and other vital services. Many of them depend on solar and generators for electricity for their homes, many still chop their own firewood. They rely on mountain spring water to fill their cisterns. Our salmon fishing season has been virtually non-existent this year and our elders depend on sustenance fishing to get them through the winter. It is easy to see how important it is to have their pantries well stocked with quality products and dry goods! And for that we are so grateful for our partnership with you and your donors.
In addition to the food items, the coats, gloves, boots, slippers, blankets, kitchen items and other clothing items are welcomed and used daily! An elder recently brought out his donated slippers and boots to show me! He wanted me to be sure to thank you and your program for the wonderful gifts he and his wife have received.
On behalf of my staff and I, as well as our tribal court, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity.
Wok’hlew (thank you with gratitude and humility),
Laura Woods, Manager
Yurok Title VI Elders Nutrition Program
Yurok Tribal Court
Klamath, CA
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This thank you letter is from the Oglala Lakota College Nursing Department for our annual rolling backpacks and school supplies drive!
August 23, 2023
Dear Friends of Pine Ridge,
The Department of Nursing here at Oglala Lakota College would like to extend a sincere thank you for all of the wonderful supplies you always provide for our students, year after year. The students graciously accept these supplies, and fully utilize the supplies in all aspects of the nursing program while working towards meeting their academic goals.
We cannot thank you enough for your continued generosity!
Best wishes,
Robin White, MSN, RN
Oglala Lakota College of Nursing
Department Chair
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Here’s a thank you for the arts and crafts supplies drive for the Yurok Tribe Head Start!
August 22, 2023
Dear Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
The Yurok Tribe Head Start Teaching staff would like to thank you for all your donations. All classrooms got to replenish their art area for the new school year. The students will have an awesome time with all the new art supplies.
“In all this world there is nothing so beautiful as a happy child.”
Aiy-yu-kwee’
Rose Stevenson
Family Service Coordinator
Yurok Tribe Head Start
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This thank you is for the art therapy supplies for the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center on Pine Ridge Reservation!
August 8, 2023
Dear Chris and Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
This is a huge Wopila (immense Thank You) for all you have continued to do for the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center. Most recently all of the Art Supplies that you have contributed! These will be used in am Art Therapy project with children and non offending caretakers. We truly are thankful to be provided these necessary materials to do this project.
Please know that all of your contributions are heartfelt, and we are grateful for each and every one of them!
Sincerely and for the Children
With Gratitude,
Arlana Bettelyoun, Director
Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center
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This thank you is for the school supplies drive for the Little Singer Community Elementary School on the Navajo Nation!
August 5, 2023
Hi Chris,
It has been a busy 3 weeks! We were able to bag all the students school supplies and have their parents pick up extra supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes for home use. We would never be able to do this without your help- thank you so much! The smile on each child’s face meant so much and I just want to thank everyone who donated from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you so much.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Etta Shirley, Principal
Little Singer Community School
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This thank you is for the school supplies drive for Jack Norton Elementary School and Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School on the Yurok Rez.
August 1, 2023
Dear Chris and FoPRR:
Thank you for the many many packages that line my office, garage, driveway, and car. You people have simply gone donation mad! This is crazy. I have so many packages and I have been unable to open them at the moment. I am working on getting a temporary secretary while Tanisha is out on maternity leave. This year will be an exciting year with TKers coming to us and hopefully a music teacher. We have a much needed social worker on our campuses this year too. Our SFA reading program has been beneficial to our students and test scores. This year we implement a new math curriculum too. I hope the new math program benefits my students like the SFA reading program has.
I started back yesterday and am busily preparing for the return of my staff and students. It is an exciting time of year—I have been doing this for thirty years and it is still exciting. I have been rewarded greatly over the years being able to work with young people. Junior high was the age that I spent over twenty years teaching—I loved every minute of it. O.K., maybe not every minute but, I had some great kids come through my classroom door—I reminisce.
always remember how the school made them feel. YOU are helping my kids to feel good and my staff and I appreciate every one of you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jason L. Henderson, Principal
Jack Norton Elementary School
Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School
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This thank you is for the Storage (shelves, clothes racks, bins, hangers) Donation Drive and for our Food Drive for First Families Now on Pine Ridge Rez!
July 14, 2023
Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
Thank you all for your generous donations for the food drive, shelving racks and bins! This has been absolutely wonderful for our food pantry to provide for the food boxes for our families in need. The shelves have allowed for organizing the food for easier access. We have more room and can visually see and have easier access to all the items on the shelves for our food boxes.
We greatly appreciate all your time and effort with the drive for the food, bins, and shelves!
Pila Miya Ye,
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July 14, 2023
Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
Thank you so much for your help with the electricity payment to keep things going at the building. We greatly appreciate your help so that we may continue to keep activities going as well as our giving out of food boxes, clothing, and toiletry for our families in dire need here on the Pine Ridge Reservation. We greatly appreciate all you do!
Best,
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This thank you is for the Navajo Baby Shower Drive for the Little Singer School community!
July 11, 2023
Hi Chris,
I’m finally back to answering my emails. I took a short vacation away from home and it seems like a long time for me. Just a letter to thank you for the baby items that were donated through the month of May and June. We were able to hand out the baby items to young moms and dads from school and they appreciate the donation that was given to them.
Sometimes we have a table filled with items that the community can come in and get their own baby items. On their behalf, I would like to thank everyone that was able to send baby clothes, toys, pampers, baby milk or wipes – all these things would be very hard for them to get it, if they were buying it but I just want to say thank you for all that you do for community members. THANK YOU so much, it means a lot to give to families and see that happiness on their faces.
Love you all,
Little Singer Community School
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This thank you is for our Summer Fun Donation Drive for the Boys & Girls Club on the Yurok Reservation.
July 10, 2023
Hello Chris!!!
Want to say a BIG thank you for all the summer fun toys and especially all the life jackets donated. That was huge!! We feel better about sending our kiddos out on the river now they all have protection. We will have so much fun with all our new water toys to beat the heat this summer. Thank you to all the donors, we appreciate all of you!
Respectfully,
Jessica Farley
Boys & Girls Club of Yurok Tribe
Site Lead/ Youth worker
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This thank you is for our Easter meals donation drive for Lakota families on Pine Ridge Reservation.
May 19, 2023
Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
I would like to send a huge thank you to each and every one of you that gave generously so that families may enjoy an Easter meal together. The families were able to enjoy ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn for their meal and were so excited and happy! They were able to sit together and enjoy the beautiful meaning of Easter and the importance of family and sharing special time together.
Thank you all so much for all you do. You are changing the quality of life for families in dire need, bringing smiles and happiness!
Alice Phelps, Director
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This thank you is for our Easter donation for Little Singer Community School on the Navajo Nation.
May 19, 2023
Dear Chris and Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
Thank you for the donations for Easter. The kids had so much fun with all the stuff that they got . We had a community parents Easter party too which brought parents to the school.
Please know that if it weren’t for the donations we would not do half of what we do with kids and parents. Thank you so much for all your kindness of giving.
Love you all,
Etta Shirley, Principal
Little Singer Community School
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This thank you is for our Easter, PJs Socks & Underwear and Pillows donation drives for Jack Norton Elementary School and Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School on the Yurok Reservation.
May 11, 2023
Dear Chris and Friends of the Pine Ridge,
Thank you so much for your generous donations that made our students’ Easter festivities were fantastic. The chocolate bunnies, Easter bags, and prize filled eggs were a hit. It was raining the day of the Easter egg hunt so we had students look for eggs in the classroom. The wonderful donors’ Easter bags were filled with eggs, prizes, and candy from the festivities.
The socks, PJs, and underwear have mostly been distributed and going to good use. We keep some on hand to cover for accidents. They were greatly needed and most appreciated by parents/guardians.
The pillows and pillow covers got very excited responses from all of our students. The covers came in so many varieties that every student received a desirable cover. Parents were questioning the giveaway and we explained each time that we have very generous donors that want the best for our students.
Our community is very much aware of the love and generous support given by FoPR. Your constant delivering of requested and needed items has made a positive impact in our community. Our community would like to thank you too. Once again, from the staff and students, thank you!
Sincerely,
Jason L. Henderson, Principal
Jack Norton Elementary School
Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School
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This thank you is for our Easter donation drive for the Head Start on the Yurok Reservation.
April 28, 2023
Dear Friends of Pine Ridge,
We want to give a big THANK YOU for all your help and support that you’ve given us. The students and families really appreciated all the donations and support that you have given for our center. With all the donations that were given for the Easter egg hunt it made it a magical experience for all the children that participated.
We greatly appreciate all you have done for our families and community.
Wokhlew (Thank you)!
Jolleanne Jones
Site Supervisor
Yurok Tribe Early Childhood Education Center
(Photos posted with permission.)
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This thank you is for book donations throughout the school year to Piñon High School on the Navajo Nation.
April 11, 2023
Dear Chris and FoPRR,
As we near the completion of another school term, I wanted to write and thank you for the book donations you so generously gave to the kids at Piñon High School. Right off the bat, you came through with class sets requested by our English teachers. This was immeasurably helpful to the teachers as they taught those novels. Others have sent new and used books throughout the year. My policy for these donations is that if a book would enhance our collection, I may add it to our library. All other books are given to the students. As you may know, many of our students live in poverty and do not have books in their homes. Donations such as yours is a godsend for these students.
Thank you again, on behalf of myself, our teachers and the students for your contributions and the interest you have shown in the education of our Pinon students.
Sincerely,
Mr. Loren Omoth, Librarian
Piñon High School
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This thank you is for the recently completed Kindergarten and 8th grade graduation celebrations at Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School on Pine Ridge Rez.
April 11, 2023
Dear Donors,
We are gearing up for our big days of celebrating our students once again. Through your generous donations and support, it looks like we will have some great chances to make both our celebrations festive and special. Thank you for making this happen for us. Our students worked hard this year to get to this point. Their celebrations will be bright colorful. I can’t wait for next month to put it all together and see their faces shine when they come in.
Thank you all for your generosity and support. We are so grateful for you all. God Bless you with many blessings throughout this year.
Sincerely,
Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School
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This thank you is for the recently completed Baby Shower drive for the Yurok Head Start.
March 28, 2023
Dear Chris and our Friends of Pine Ridge,
On behalf of me, my staff, our families, and our community we want to give a big THANK YOU to all who helped donated baby items for our community baby shower!
We greatly appreciate all you have done for our community and education center; you all have been so generous with your donations. Each family that participated in our baby shower were so very thankful ror the items they were able to receive and that is all because of your hard work! I know that we didn’t quite reach our goal, but thanks to you we were able to get very close to it. Each item donated has found a home or family in need.
Again, we greatly appreciate your donation, our community is very thankful for your kindness.
Wokhlew (Thank you)!
Jolleanne Jones – Site Supervisor
Yurok Tribe Early Childhood Education Center
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This thank you is for the recently completed sewing/quilting class supplies donation drive for First Families Now on Pine Ridge Reservation.
March 23, 2023
Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
I would like to send a big thank you to each and every one of you for your help and support with the sewing drive! Everyone is so grateful for all the much needed items we’ve received. It’s helped make everything run nice and smoothly and there’s enough items for everyone participating. Attached are some pics of items that were made. Starquilts are almost completed!
Thank you again.
Best,
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This thank you is for a drone, Valentine’s Day Party and St. Patrick’s Day donations as well as fishing poles and for clothing to help with an urgent need for a Yurok student.
March 22, 2023
Dear Chris and FoPRR,
The boxes from FedEx and UPS show up daily at the Henderson household. My wife tucks them under the house next to the eaves so they do not get wet before I load them into my car for the trip to school.
Thank you so much for the continued outpouring of generosity. The beautiful drone made it to my school and all the fishing poles and gear keep coming in. The river is very muddy right now with the many storms that have left us with needed snow and rain. The drone is being studied/learned by my upper-grade teacher so that he can teach the other students how to operate the device. We plan on following the curriculum of other schools and create a course so that students will be able to earn a certificate in drone operation.
The Valentine’s Day parties went off with a big bang and the St. Patrick’s Day parties were terrific because of all of the donated items that came from FoPRR. My secretary folded all the green cardboard cutouts into baskets and filled them with candy, toys, beads and green sunglasses for the party. Everybody had much fun.
The 13 year old Yurok boy is getting some much needed attention with many clothing donations coming to him helping to meet his needs as well.
The focus of education is reading, writing and arithmetic but the donors add an extra element of fun in the education process. The donations help my students to know that people care about them. We at JNES and WES appreciate you all. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jason L. Henderson, Principal
Jack Norton Elementary School
Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School
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This thank you is for books donated to Margaret Keating Elementary School on the Yurok Reservation.
March 18, 2023
Dear Chris and FoPRR,
Books are always in high demand in my school. I only carry books that will grab the attention of the reader and make them want to read. I always say “The first step in creating lifelong readers is getting books that they actually want to reac.” Some teachers don’t like the whole graphic novel thing, but I embrace it. When a little boy or girl picks up a book because they see a familiar character from a movie and starts reading, that feeling is pure bliss. To be honest, I think I’m more addicted to those mements than I am to caffeine. I kid of course because I drink A LOT of coffee. Fortunately for me there are amazing people like all of you wup support my awesome students as they start their school career.
I would seriously like to thank you all so much for the support of my classroom. I cannot thank you enough for your generous donations. My kids’ present and future will have books that they actually want to read. Because of donors like you I have the best collection of books, outside of the library, in the entire school.
Wokhlew (Thank you.)
Isaiah Wright
Margaret Keating School Parent, PTO member, Teacher, Site Council member & Literacy Adovcate
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This thank you is for the Christmas cards and Valentine’s Day cards sent to the Yurok Reservation for the elders.
February 28, 2023
Dear Chris,
On behalf of our Yurok Elders that received the beautiful hand written cards that we placed in their Elder’s sack lunch deliveries all up and down our reservation recently. Some elders told me they could not recall the last time they received such a thoughtful gift. So many of our elders live in a very remote part of our reservation, some do not yet have electricity or running water, many live far below the United State poverty level and as a result of their poverty and isolation sometimes can feel “invisible” or “forgotten.”
The time spent making each card so special was not lost on them and I want you to know how much they were appreciated. I have my card posted proudly on my refrigerator, the place of honor in our house! Wok’hlew (thank you, with gratitude in Yurok) Blessings to you and all who took the time to make us feel so special, and remembered. May our Creator continue to bless you and your family Chris and all of the beautiful human beings that remember the Yurok people and give so generously of their time.
Wok’hlew,
Laura Woods, Community Outreach Manager
“Skue-yech son-ee-nah” (We are becoming well)
Yurok Tribal Court
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This thank you is for the posters and LEGOs donation drive for the Woksape Tipi Library which serves as the academic library for Oglala Lakota College and is the public library for Pine Ridge Reservation.
February 28, 2023
Aŋpetu wašté,
From all the staff at Woksape Tipi Library, we want to send a huge thank you to our donors through the Friends of Pine Ridge. With your generosity, efforts, and support, we can empower our people, encourage literacy, and bring positive messages to our communities. Your donations of LEGOs have helped in our language preservation efforts since they are used to create Lakota LEGO movies on YouTube that the youth can watch. The donated posters were also much appreciated and excitedly received; they were gifted to the students and youth that were part of a reading challenge to encourage reading in the community. Your donations are greatly appreciated and essential to our efforts to promote a love of books and reading in our community. We hope everyone has a healthy, happy, and fantastic year.
Pilámayaye (Thank you) for your support and all that you do.
Woksape Tipi Staff
Woksape Tipi Library – Oglala Lakota College
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This thank you is for the is for the winter coats and waterproof boots donation drive for the Yurok elders served by the Yurok Elders Nutrition Program (run by the Yurok Tribal Court).
February 28, 2023
Dear Chris,
On behalf of our Title VI Yurok Elders (myself included) we would like to thank you and your amazing donors for the beautiful warm winter coats (with hoods!) and rain boots! As you may have seen on the news lately we have been enduring an unusually windy, snowy, icy, rainy winter that just seems to never end. We are under a winter storm warning today and tonight as I type this. Our elders have called me to extend their thankfulness for these much needed gifts and asked me to be sure to relay the messages. The timing of these warm gifts would not have been more perfect, we thank Creator for you and your most generous patrons for thinking of us during this trying time.
The gifts were so abundant it took several trips to get them all delivered up river to our most remote villages. We are now considering writing a grant in order to purchase a larger van in order to accommodate future donations. From the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you and your donors enough. May our Creator bless each and every one of you with good health and wellness in the coming years.
Wok’hlew,
Laura Woods, Community Outreach Manager
“Skue-yech son-ee-nah” (We are becoming well)
Yurok Tribal Court
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This thank you is for the Valentine’s Day Drive for the Little Singer Community School on the Navajo Nation.
February 18, 2023
Dear Chris,
Thank you! You mean the world to us! Love you all.Sincerely,
Little Singer Community School
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This thank you is for the Valentine’s Day Drive for Jack Norton Elementary School and Weitchpec Yurok Magnet School on the Yurok Reservation!
February 16, 2023
Dear Chris,
Your Friends of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation really poured it on strong this Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day was celebrated on the 15th this year due to a freak snow storm that shut down our school district on February 14th. We had boxes and boxes of donated items this year—decorations, candy, plates, balloons, napkins, toys, Valentine’s Day Cards, and other items. The volume of donations was off the charts. Students had a great time this year due in most part to your generous donors.
It was a very happy sight seeing my students’ excitement as they passed out their cards and ate their candy. The noise level was high too from all that was going on during their party. Thank you once again for showing our students a great time.
This year has been challenging in many ways but your donors add something very special to the school day with their gifts. My students know that somebody outside of their immediate community cares for their well-being. Your donors definitely add to the prize/snack/reward coffers.
Once again, thank you very much for the outpouring of love towards my students. They are great kids and your donors help remind them that there are good people in this world that try and make positive change. Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Jason L. Henderson, Principal
Jack Norton Elementary School
Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School
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This thank you is for the Valentine’s Day Drive for Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School on Pine Ridge Reservation.
February 16, 2023
Dear Donors,
Thank you so much for the Valentine decorations and treats. The teachers enjoyed brightening up their rooms with the beautiful decorations. The kids walked into their rooms and were so excited. The bright hearts and decorations made every room So festive! We truly appreciate all your donations and thoughtfulness so that our students might enjoy the holidays much more.
I spread out the decorations and allowed teachers to take what they wanted. The teachers then took them to their rooms and began with a decorating party. The students were so pleased to be able to help and be part of the decorating process. Each room sure had their own creativity. Some used crepe paper some used balloons, others used decorations along with balloons and a few used all. Lol. They were so excited to get into their rooms each day and enjoy the beauty that they created with your generosity. Thank you all again for the love you sent our way. Our school was brighter because of you. God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
Theresa Lessert, Principal
Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School
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This thank you is for the Valentine’s Day Drive for American Horse School on Pine Ridge Reservation!
February 15, 2023
Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
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This thank you is for the Valentine’s Day Drive and Mardi Gras Carnival Drive for Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School on Pine Ridge Reservation!
January 25, 2023
Dear Donors,
We are still getting hit with Covid cases along with a hard winter of feet of snow and extreme cold weather, but yet your generosity continues to warm us and allow rays of sun to bring us love. Thank you all for donating items for our Mardi Gras and Valentine events. Even though the weather seems to be against us at times the excitement to plan for and hold these events for our students and families allows us to continue to spread the love and support for each other. Holding these events is such a positive force in supporting a healthy community when times get hard. You have helped us continue to connect and support each other in a positive, meaningful manner that is friendly, light and connective. Thank you so much for your generosity. This means more to us than you will ever realize. We continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Sincerely,
Theresa Lessert, Principal
Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School
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This thank you is for the Christmas Drive, Snacks & Incentives Drive, Valentine’s Day Drive and books drive and books drive for Jack Norton Elementary and Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary Schools on the Yurok Reservation!
January 17, 2023
Dear Chris and FoPRR,
It has been long overdue that I get this letter to your generous donors. We have been subjected to high winds, floods, rain, power outages and Internet disruptions. I have been subbing in the classroom more this year too due to no subs available and teacher needs. Bottom line, my tardiness of this letter is not because of lack of appreciation. We appreciate our donors very much and have benefitted greatly from their generosity to our students.
The wonderful presents sent to my two schools for Christmas brought much joy to our students. Tanisha and Hunter wrapped all the presents so that Santa Claus could show up and pass them out to the students before Winter Break. Our students really enjoyed seeing Santa and having him pass out a gift to them. I hammed it up with the students about getting some of them on the “Nice” list this year. It was all great fun.
Your donated jackets, goody bags, snacks, books and Valentine’s Day cards all help to make school a special place for these kids. It is not an easy life where we live and it is with your generous donors’ help that we all make school a very good place that students will gain fond memories. I have heard it said that we don’t always remember what we learned from different institutions that we attended as children but we never forget how those institutions made us feel. We intend to make a difference.
Once again, your love and generosity is felt mightily at both of my schools. We appreciate all that you have given and know that your kindness is making a difference on the social/emotional aspect of our students. Thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Jason Henderson, Principal
Jack Norton Elementary School
Weitchpec Yurok Magnet Elementary School
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This thank you is for the FoPRR Christmas Drive for the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center.
January 12, 2023
Dear Chris and Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation,
On behalf of the children of the Oglala Lakota Nation in Pine Ridge, SD we, the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center are honored and pleased to present this letter of appreciation to all who have participated in the donation drive of gifts and coats. Over the Christmas holiday, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation received a massive storm that stopped everyone in their tracks. Most people could not get out of their driveways and were short on supplies, food, propane, and some without power. Thanks to your efforts we were able to get out the gifts to our children at their homes and provide comfort and warmth to families.
Please accept our most humble and heartfelt gratitude for all that you do and we extend our prayers and blessings to each of you and your families. May the new year bring you much success, blessings and happiness. Lila Wopila Tanka Icici Ya Pelo.
Arlana Bettelyoun, Director
Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center
Board and Staff
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This thank you is for the FoPRR Christmas Drive for the Yurok Boys and Girls Club.
January 6, 2023
Dear Chris!
I would like to say thank you so much for getting all those presents donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Yurok Tribe for Christmas. Thanks to you and all of the donors all our kids had a great Christmas party and loved all their gifts.
We are truly grateful for your hard work. Happy New Year! Many blessing to you and yours.
Jessica Farley
Site Leader/Youth Worker
Boys & Girls Club of Yurok Tribe
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This thank you letter is for Christmas gifts donated to the Little Singer Community School and community on the Navajo Nation.
January 3, 2023
Dear Chris,
Little Singer Community School
If you've received a phone call soliciting donations for "Pine Ridge Reservation" please consider it a scam and do not provide any credit card information.