While most children take gifts as a given, it can be difficult for those living in extreme poverty to get a decent holiday meal.
American Indian youth who live on reservations are raised in the poorest parts of the country. American Indians have higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and disease than any other ethnicity in the U.S.
Two-thirds (or more) of Cheyenne River Reservation’s residents survive on less that one-third the average American’s monthly income. The Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Small Grants Program conducted a 2002 study and found that 70% of Cheyenne River Indians experienced food insecurity. Another 35% felt persistent hunger.
Many children growing up on reservations may not have running water, heated homes, or an Xbox under a sparkling tree. But there are some organizations that work to make the holiday season more enjoyable for American Indian youth.
Running Strong for American Indian Youth is a non-profit organization which has been helping American Indians with their basic survival needs ever since 1986.www.lakotayouth.orgTo launch several seasonal programs, please click here
Children write letters to Santa Claus in the Toys for Tribes Christmas Toy Drive. Volunteers ensure that each child receives at most one of the gifts they desire. Children from families that cannot afford toys or food are entitled to any gift, even a toy, on Christmas.
Running Strong organizes holiday parties where American Indian families can enjoy healthy meals, films, and games. These events bring together people, giving Americans who are poor a break from their daily worries.”Operation Turkey Dinners”Families who cannot afford holiday meals can get whole turkeys along with fresh and canned vegetables.
For more information, please visit www.indianyouth.org.
