This week, the Cheyenne River Youth Project will be holding two large distributions for the community at its Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) teen center. Both are offered through the nonprofit organization’s long-running Family Services program.
Produce Distribution
In collaboration with Partnership with Native Americans (PWNA) and Pierre, South Dakota-based Rilings Produce, CRYP will be providing boxes of fresh produce to local families on Wednesday, Aug. 14. These boxes will include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and CRYP expects to serve approximately 400 households.
From 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Family Services members may pick up one box of produce per household. Then, from 3 to 5 p.m., members of the general public may pick up one box per car. Cheyenne River elders can arrange to receive their boxes through Rez Runners.
Family Services members, please bring your membership card with you to the distribution. Head of household must be present.
School Supplies Distribution
Next, on Friday, Aug. 16, CRYP will host its annual School Supplies Distribution in the teen center gymnasium. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Family Services members and their children may visit the CRYP campus to obtain the school supplies they need; this year, CRYP expects to serve more than 500 kids.
If a local family wishes to participate but does not hold a Family Services membership, simply visit https://lakotayouth.org/programs/family-services/membership/ to apply online, or stop by the campus to fill out an application. For more information, call the office at (605) 964-8200.
Family Services members, please bring your membership card with you to the distribution. Head of household must be present.
CRYP’s Family Services
CRYP created Family Services in 2002 to manage the increasing amounts of donated supplies it was receiving throughout the year. To participate, all local families need to do is pay the annual membership fee of $30. That small, one-time payment covers all household members for the entire year, and proceeds support the program infrastructure so Family Services can remain a reliable community resource for years to come.
Produce and school supplies distributions are major components of Family Services. The program also provides access to shoes, winter clothing, household supplies, baby items and holiday gifts.
To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.