Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is home to the Oglala Lakota Tribe with an estimated population of close to 40,000. The reservation is large and the needs here are immense. Unemployment is extremely high, the weather is extreme, and families struggle with financial, housing, health, educational and social issues.
Since it is impossible to provide assistance to individual families on the reservation from a distance and do it equitably, the Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation website focuses on specific needs of the many schools and social service organizations physically located on the reservation.
These schools and organizations, many understaffed and underfunded, struggle in turn to serve thousands of families in dire need. Please do not underestimate the importance of a small donation. Your contribution, sent directly to a reservation organization – even if only a single pair of socks for a child who has none – makes a huge impact when combined with many others.
The reservation organizations’ needs are many and change constantly so your donations can take many forms, from school, sewing, crafts, sporting, baby, and office supplies, to toiletries, clothing, Christmas gifts, holiday items, bed, bath and kitchen linens, cold weather gear, crayons and more.
As you look through these pages you’ll find specific needs and where to send them. Please note none of your donations are ever directed to third-party charities; everything you send will go directly to the organization on Pine Ridge Reservation that needs your help.
Poverty makes for a harsh existence but you can help by providing needed resources and at the same time donating in ways that help preserve and support the Lakota culture, with the utmost respect for the dignity of our neighbors on Pine Ridge Reservation.
Please be extremely mindful of the condition of the items you donate, and whenever possible, send new items. For some organizations and specific donation drives, gently used items are acceptable, please read posted information carefully for guidelines as to the types of items each organization can accept.
