December 2016
Greetings Friends,
Winter weather has hit Pine Ridge! We have found ourselves very low or completely out of quilts, diapers, and our Energy Assistance Matching fund is not at a level to respond to the requests that I am anticipating this heating season with the sub-zero temperatures we are experiencing. As 2016 winds down, and the Christmas season approaches, please consider supporting one of the following ministries as a part of your end of the year gift-giving:
Energy Assistance Matching Ministry: Winter has arrived on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Homes here are often poorly insulated and overcrowded making winter a dangerous time for people, especially children and elders. Below zero temps put a terrible burden on families, with limited resources, who are trying to stay warm. Consider supporting the Energy Assistance Matching Fund Ministry to help keep people warm this winter.
Quilts: The beautiful quilts that are made by many people over the year find good homes in Pine Ridge! Because of generous donations from many Quilters groups and individuals we were able to assist 695 people with the gift of a warm quilt or blanket. The demand this time of year is high and we are currently out of inventory. If you are part of a quilters group and you have some quilts ready to keep someone warm, we would be so pleased to receive them.
Diapers & Baby Wipes: Anyone with a child or grandchild knows that babies need diapers! The cost of diapers puts a huge strain on families’ resources. We provide diapers and baby wipes to low-income families to improve the lives of babies and toddlers. You can go to Amazon’s baby registry and search for “Pine Ridge Retreat Center” or follow this link to place an order for direct shipment.
Lutheran/Lakota Job Corps: We currently have a team of five people working as part of the Job Corps. People from the community working on behalf of their neighbors! When visiting teams come to the Center they will work alongside the Lutheran/Lakota crew providing a bridge between the visitors and the people living in the community. Participating in the Job Corps gives individuals an opportunity to earn an income and gain important work experience.
- If you have quilts to ship, or if you are able to make a contribution to the Energy Assistance Matching Program, please send your quilts and payments to: Pine Ridge Retreat Center, PO Box 862, Pine Ridge, SD 57770.
- If you would like to support the Lutheran/Lakota Job Corps, please send your donation to:
- South Dakota Synod ELCA
Attn: Lois Borchardt
2001 S. Summit Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57197
We are so pleased to be able to do these ministries on your behalf and we thank you for your partnership in this work! As the season of Advent continues to lead us to the babe in the manger, we wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Servants Together,
Pastor Kay
Pine Ridge Retreat Center
51 East Highway 18
PO Box 862
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
605-867-5262
e-mail: pineridge.center@gmail.com
website: http://www.pineridgeretreatcenter.org/
