TOTAL FUNDS RAISED TO DATE INCLUDING OFFLINE GIFTS OVER $299,000 - THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY TO DATE!

The need for assistance on the Cheyenne River Reservation grows each day as the temperature continues to drop well below freezing. After suffering devastating ice-related storms over the weekend of January 22, 2010, electricity and water have been non-existent or scarce. Over 2,500 utility poles are currently on the ground in this remote, rural area. Power has been out in several communities and for thousands of residents for several days. Below zero temperatures and no electricity, heat, water or gasoline has created devastating results.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is working to provide emergency services and meet the needs of area residents. Through the establishment of shelters with emergency power generators, the most vunerable have options, but there are thousands of residents suffering through the cold and scarcity in substandard housing.

The South Dakota Community Foundation, with a generous 35,000 dollar-for-dollar match from the Bush Foundation and the Northwest Area Foundation, is accepting donations on behalf of the Cheyenne Rive Sioux Tribe. Now is the time to step up and help South Dakotans in need. We encourage you to consider a contribution while these matching funds are available to us.

To learn more about the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and their recovery efforts please visit their website at www.sioux.org/English/CRST_2010_Disaster_Relief.php

Above photo courtesy of LeNae LeBeau