MISSION, SD -- Tree of Life successfully distributed student supplies to over 1,500 youth as students returned to school across the Lakota communities.  Tree of Life Ministry will now turn attention to collecting gifts for Christmas.

In 2011, Tree of Life was able to supply gifts to most of the children and elders of the Sicangu Lakota nation.  That meant a total of over 20,000 gifts processed by the staff and volunteers during the months of November and December.  The expectation this year is to meet that same goal.

Rev. Russell Masartis, Director of Tree of Life Ministry states, “We want to make it easier on everyone. In preference to Christmas Shoe Boxes, we would like to have you consider supplying new games and toys, or gloves and earmuffs.  Shoeboxes are difficult to transport since they are odd sizes and are only secured with rubber bands. Each wrapped shoebox is has to be opened, inspected, and repacked when we receive it. The wrapping requirements take a lot of time and effort for those donated the shoeboxes.”

New games and toys are prepackaged to make the most effective use of storage space, and are wrapped so that the contents remain secure.  This type of gift does not need to be gift-wrapped, saving the donator time and expense.  The age-range the gift is appropriate for is already printed on the boxes.  These types of gifts will make it is easier to sort and distribute according to the number of youth in each of the Lakota communities.  Games can also be sent from the store directly to the Tree of Life office, often saving those donating postage costs.

If you or your church will be collecting new games, toys, and winter wear items; just call the Tree of Life office at 605-856-4266.  The staff at Tree of Life will arrange to pick up your donations so that every child may again have a joyful celebration of Christ's love. 

Please consider bringing a volunteer work team to Tree of Life in early December to help with the sorting.  Russell notes, “Come for a weekend, an overnight, or just for a few hours one day.  Our dorms are open to you, and your help will be greatly appreciated. We are looking forward to sharing Christ's love at Christmas!”

Submitted by Russell Masartis and the staff of Tree of Life Ministry