Colorado nonprofit delivers 11,000 lbs of flour to Pine Ridge

posted on January 29, 2013
by Shannon Grooms

Generosity is a central value among the Lakota, and it took on practical significance when 11,000 pounds of flour arrived on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation on January 25. The flour was distributed through Red Cloud’s pastoral ministry program to homes and families across the reservation’s nearly 3 million acres.

John Crabtree from Sharing Hope, a Colorado-based nonprofit, orchestrated the delivery. Sharing Hope was founded by Crabtree’s parents and has now been turned over to him to carry on its work. ConAgra, a major food producing company based in Omaha, has had a longstanding relationship with Sharing Hope. When ConAgra has surplus flour, it knows that it can turn to Sharing Hope to help get this food staple where it is most needed. The flour now will help feed many people in the communities of Oglala, Pine Ridge, Manderson, Porcupine, Kyle, Wanblee, Potato Creek, and Allen.

In keeping with the family tradition, Crabtree brought his two young sons to deliver the flour. It was the family’s first trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. John reported, “It’s a beautiful area. The people were really nice and very friendly. We have enjoyed ourselves while also striving to do some good!”

Fr. Peter Klink, SJ, Acting Pastoral Coordinator for Red Cloud Indian School, remarked, “It is all about building relationships and doing good. This is the first time that John, his sons, and Sharing Hope have partnered with us here on Pine Ridge. It really has been great, and many families will be nourished through this generosity!”

If you are interested in learning more about any of the Catholic Churches on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Contact, Fr. Peter Klink at 605-867-5491.