No Thanksgiving meal... until now: Pine Ridge nonprofit feeds dozens

PINE RIDGE, S.D. - Dozens of Pine Ridge area families in need will be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, thanks to an area nonprofit. Pine Ridge H.O.P.E. distributed holiday meals to 150 families.

“So many people told us, ‘Thank you. We didn’t know if we were going to have a Thanksgiving or turkey this year,’” said Pine Ridge H.O.P.E. Director George Dreamer Jr.

“Norma Blacksmith used to provide Thanksgiving meals. She passed away around a year ago, and there wasn’t a plan to do it. I said, ‘Why not? Let’s get to work,’” said Pine Ridge H.O.P.E. volunteer Jim Clough.

Clough led the effort to fundraise enough donations for the meals.

“I think Thanksgiving is important, but there’s a need in Pine Ridge every day - 365 days a year,” said Clough.

The poverty rate on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is 53.75%, which is much higher than the national average of 15.6%. The reservation is one of the poorest in the United States and is located in one of the two poorest counties in the country.

Pine Ridge H.O.P.E. also recently hosted a clothing, shoes and blanket giveaway, totaling around four truck loads of donations.

“At Pine Ridge H.O.P.E., we’re also looking to develop jobs and inspire economic development. We’re also working with youth to connect them with jobs and opportunities,” said Clough.

For example, the nonprofit is trying to inspire entrepreneurs in quilt making, food service and buffalo hide clothing and decor.

“I know a buffalo ranch that’s willing to donate hides to someone who wants to build a business,” said Clough.

If you would like to help the nonprofit, please email Clough at [email protected] or contact Dreamer at 605-441-0789.

You can also mail donations to:

Pine Ridge H.O.P.E.

P.O. Box 820

Pine Ridge, SD 57770