The Cheyenne River Youth Project’s annual Wo Otúh’an Wi Toy Drive is now under way, and the nonprofit organization is reaching out to hundreds of families to ensure that their children’s holiday wishes come true.
Wo Otúh’an Wi means “Moon of Giving Away Presents” in the Lakota language. According to Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director, traditional Lakota values lie at the heart of this annual initiative, which coincides with both winter solstice and the Judeo-Christian holiday season.
“When we give our children gifts, we are giving them — and their families — the hope and promise of wishes fulfilled,” Garreau explained. “Wo Otúh’an Wi is grounded in our Lakota values of generosity and caring for others. It recognizes the significance of the winter solstice and this time of the dark, cold moons. And it’s a vital part of living Wólakȟota, our people’s sacred way of life.”
Last year, with the support of its many partners and volunteers nationwide, CRYP was once again able to bring holiday joy to more than 1,500 children. Garreau said she hopes they can serve the same number, if not more, this winter.
In the weeks to come, CRYP will provide detailed information on its website and its social media platforms regarding how prospective donors, partner organizations, and even volunteers can help. As Garreau noted, it’s a team effort.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our network of supporters across the country, and even around the world,” she said. “Since we started the toy drive in 1990, it has become a nationwide movement to lift up our community. Words cannot express how humbled and grateful we feel.”
To participate visit www.lakotayouth.org/toy-drive to:
- Adopt a child’s winter solstice gift wish list
- Send gifts from our Amazon Wish List
- Host a toy drive in your community
- Donate gift wrapping supplies
- Support the toy drive with cash donations
- Volunteer to wrap gifts on-site at CRYP
Please send new, unwrapped gifts in time to arrive on or before December 15, 2022 to:
Cheyenne River Youth Project
702 4th Street/P.O. Box 410
Eagle Butte, SD 57625