The Rez desperately needed a safe place for children removed from abusive or neglectful homes until they could be placed with other family members or a foster or adoptive home. After retiring from her job at the US Attorney’s office Barbara Dull Knife came back to the Rez to begin her dream of building a safe house for children after reading about the death of an abused Allen boy. You can read more about her story here and here. They try to keep native children on the Rez as many families whose children were placed in non-native homes had problems getting their children returned once they got their lives back in order, some of them never saw their children again.
There was already a safe home for children ages 13-18, OST Emergency Youth Center but nothing existed for the 0-12 age group. Barb was able to acquire a building provided by Loneman School in Oglala and she opened Gather Our Children in the spring of 2017. Barb has donated 5 acres of her own land so an orphanage can be built in the future that will serve as a temporary safe home for 40 children until they’re placed in a permanent home. There are programs trying to work with families to help them with substance abuse and other problems so their children can be returned and the family unit reestablished. Currently there is room to house 15 children ages infant through 12 years of age, school age children do attend the local school. Future plans for the the home is offering respite care for moms who need a break, are having surgery, dealing with a family emergency, etc.
New and gently used clothing, shoes and other goods (underwear and socks must be new) are welcome as long as they meet these donation guidelines.
- Clothing – Sizes newborn to 14/16 for boys and girls (never enough boys) for winter and summer.
- Shoes and Boots – All sizes for all seasons.
- Socks and Underwear – New only please, for kids up to size 14/16.
- Outer Wear – Coats, light weight and winter, hats, mittens/gloves
- School Supplies – Paper, pencils, crayons, backpacks, etc.
- Diapers and Formula – Sizes 3-6 most needed and powered formula.
- Baby Needs – Burp Cloths, bibs, warm sleepers, sleep sacks, baby wash, diaper cream.
- Toiletries – Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary napkins.
- Toys – For all ages, no battery operated please. Cars, trucks, dolls, stuffed animals, art supplies, jump ropes, balls, etc.
- Books – For all ages, would like to start a library at the home.
- Blankets – Twin size for the bunk beds, and smaller for toddler bed, for winter and summer and receiving blankets.
- Sheets/pillowcases/pillows – For 5 cribs, 4 sets bunk beds, 1 toddler bed. Can use waterproof mattress pads or plastic sheeting too.
- Towels/washcloths – Bath size, hooded for toddlers desirable.
- Kitchen items – Dish cloths/towels, sippy cups, drinking cups, utensils, plates, baby bottles. All plastic items should be BPA free.
- Cleaning – laundry pods, cleaning supplies, dish soap.
- Office supplies – HP 62 black ink for printer, legal pads, multipurpose paper 8 1/2 x 11, envelopes, etc.
- Birthday supplies – cake mixes, candles, decorations, small gifts, etc.
Donations to Children In Need of Care are tax deductible. Make a list of your donations, add to your box along with a SASE and instructions to sign, date and return in the envelope. If you don’t get a response, contact us and LFC will issue you a formal donation letter.
This organization also accepts monetary donations through their website or you can donate through Lakota Friends Circle for the purchase of bulk diapers, formula, etc.
Charitable Donation Form Microsoft Word
Please send your donations of material goods to: