Thank you, thank you, thank you! The support we have received from so many of you during the past year has been absolutely awesome! You allow us to fulfill our intentions of bringing food, clothing, supplies of daily living and other necessities to the Native American people living on the Hopi and Navajo reservations.
It is quite astonishing to realize that in 2014, a majority of homes on the reservations do not have indoor plumbing, and that many families live in one or two-room dwellings. In fact, approximately half of all Hopi families live in substandard housing units, and more than half of those families live in overcrowded conditions. The same conditions exist for a great number of Navajo families as well. According to the most recent statistics that I’ve been able to research, unemployment stands at an average of 44% and 62% on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, respectively. Needless to say, many of these proud families survive on incomes that are well below the poverty level.
Because of your generosity, during last October’s visit to the reservations, 700 Hopi and Navajo persons each received a 15-pound bag of fresh potatoes, and a grocery sack filled with 5 pounds of onions, 4 pounds of beans, 2 pounds of rice, 2 pounds of oatmeal, a can of coffee and a can of baking powder. And in addition to many other items, we gave away 60 barrels filled with like-new, warm clothing, new shovels and saws, dozens of storage bins, school supplies, personal hygiene supplies, toys, and 70 gorgeous handmade quilts which were distributed to the elderly!
Prior to our visit, Buffalo Blessings was featured on KUTV Channel 2’s Pay It Forward segment where we were awarded $500 from Mountain America Credit Union! It was incredibly exciting to have received this media exposure and ensuing support from the community. We were blessed with amazing donors who provided goods and who funded the purchase of food, volunteers who bagged and packed everything, as well as folks who accompanied us with their own trucks and trailers on the long journey south to the reservations. They are the reason for the success of our 2013 Food Run, and we are more grateful than we can express.
Some great news: Smith’s Food and Drug grocery store has accepted Buffalo Blessings into their giving program! When you link your Rewards Card (either online or at their customer service booth) to Buffalo Blessings, Smith’s will make a quarterly donation in an amount dependent on how much everybody shops! If Smith’s is in your area, please sign up! You still receive your discount gas points and all of the benefits of your Rewards Card; it’s a win-win for both of us!
As we strive to fulfill our mission and commitment to the Hopi and Navajo people by preparing for our October 2014 Food Run, we sincerely hope that we have proved ourselves worthy of your continued support. Please know that your loving generosity is gratefully received by hundreds of beautiful hearts. Thank you so much.
May you always walk in beauty!
Rod& Anna Bennett