Native Americans are 6 times more likely than other groups to live in areas most prone to wildfires. In case of a disaster, having emergency supplies on hand can make a huge impact. Our program partners help their Elders stay ready for the unexpected by distributing Summer Emergency Boxes provided by the Sioux Nation Relief Fund (SNRF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA). These boxes are filled with items like paper towels, canned vegetables and laundry detergent.

Our Program Partner Diana distributed 125 summer boxes at the Eagle Butte Elderly Nutrition Center (ENC) in South Dakota. One beneficiary was 76-year-old Aluina of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Aluina used to eat lunch at the ENC regularly before COVID-19, and the facility recently re-opened to the public. “I did everything I could not to get the virus and I didn’t get it.” Aluina is grateful for the chance to socialize again since she lives alone. “I love company.”

A retired teacher, Aluina lives on a limited income from social security. She lives in one of the poorest counties in the U.S. and says it’s a challenge. She knows that the community needs all the help it can get. “We don’t have that much money to begin with.” This was her first time receiving a summer box, and she plans to use everything, especially the laundry supplies.

To save money shopping, Aluina travels 25 miles out of town where she can find more affordable prices. She usually cooks simple meals for herself, so canned food from the summer box is a big help. “I like to eat healthy, and there’s a lot of things that I can eat here.”

As our Program Partner, Diana says the summer boxes are “nice to be able to get,” adding that many Elders were shocked at the number of things inside. “Our Elders are on a fixed income. The prices in town are outrageous, and a lot of them can’t get out of town to shop, so the boxes really do help.”

You can help Native Elders like Aluina be ready when disaster strikes by donating to SNRF today.