Chapter News
Central Chapter News
By Levi Reindl
Central Chapter President
I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and spent time with family and friends. Central Chapter members are getting ready for a meeting in January and to attend Day on the Hill. I am encouraging everyone who can attend to do so. I know this may be impossible for many due to conflicts and previously arranged commitments but everyone does make a difference!
Congratulations to the Central Chapter members who participated in this year's community service project. A total of 5,750 children's books were collected! These books were then distributed to each member's respective community. The books reached children in Pierre, Ft. Pierre, Gettysburg, Onida, Blunt, Timber Lake, Wakpala, Mobridge, and Eagle Butte. Many were given to daycares, hospital waiting rooms, Boy's & Girl's Club, women's shelters, Mom's Making Memories, and preschools. Those who received the books were very appreciative of the generosity of the members. I am proud of each person's willingness to make this a success!
Coteau Chapter
By Jackie Schilling
Coteau Chapter President
The Coteau Chapter membership is slowly increasing and the next meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2007. It will be held at Bonnie Werpy Rye's house in Watertown and pot luck is being planned at 4:00-7:00 or whenever. There is also talk about exchanging a small gift and more will be sent out to the members about that idea and directions to the meeting. I look forward to spending time with everyone.
Sioux Chapter
By Jessica Paulson
Sioux Chapter President
Sioux Chapter Assists With Holiday Deliveries
During the Holiday Season, Sioux Chapter counselors played an active role in assisting Sioux Falls Cares with their holiday deliveries. Sioux Falls Cares is a non-profit agency that was organized to meet the needs of local less fortunate families. This year the agency provided food, clothing, gifts and household items to 750 families in the Sioux Falls area.
The role of Sioux Chapter counselors is two-fold in making this project possible. Sioux Falls Cares received the names of families through referrals made by counselors and social workers in the Sioux Falls School District. Once families in need were identified, counselors sent Sioux Falls Cares the family name, address and age and gender of the children. Some families were told of the referral while many were pleasantly surprised at the sight of the boxes delivered to their door. Aside from the referral process, counselors also were active in delivering the goods. During two evenings in December, counselors and other volunteers lined their vehicles up to be loaded with boxes. Warm food and drinks were provided for all volunteers and offered an opportunity for fellowship and conversation during a hectic time of the year. This year, more than 20 Sioux Chapter counselors assisted with the deliveries.
Joan Millage with Sioux Falls Cares wrote, "You are the best and we could not have done this project without all of your help." Thank you to those counselors that assisted in this project and to the rest of you accross this state that work endlessly this time of the year to meet the needs of families you serve. Whether finding a warm coat, referring a familiy for additional services or providing emotional guidance, your role is important and much appreciated. Happy New Year.