Community Members Sponsoring Toy and Clothing Drive

Prior Lake, MN – Inspired by their children’s reaction to the recent television program “Hidden America: Children of the Plains,” an ABC 20/20 special featuring Diane Sawyer about children on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community members and are holding a toy and clothing drive now through November 30, 2011. They are collecting toys, blankets, and clothing of all sizes, from newborns to adults, which they will personally transport and deliver the first weekend in December.

“Hidden America: Children of the Plains” depicted life on the Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, for several children who live in difficult circumstances. The heartbreaking reality of their lives living in unthinkable conditions has not been enough to quash their spirits. Their lives and their dreams were followed for one year for this special report which was viewed by nearly five million viewers.

Several Community members watched the program with their children who were moved by the poverty they saw and the deplorable living conditions some of the children were forced to live in on the South Dakota reservation. The children will join their families in transporting toys, blankets, and clothing to the Pine Ridge Reservation.

“It will be good for them to see what it’s like out there, a good life lesson for the kids,” said SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks. “It’s our culture as Dakota people to help others.”

Seven boxes for donations have been placed at locations around the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Boxes can be found in the lobby at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness, the SMSC Wellness Center, South Metro Federal Credit Union, the Community Center, Playworks Pod 5, and Playworks.

For more information, call the Toy Drive Hotline at 612-236-8613 and leave a message.

“Hidden America: Children of the Plains” is available for viewing at http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/10/diane-sawyer-reporting-a-hidden-america-children-of-the-plains-on-friday-october-14/