Donations Sought for Native American Kids
Walking Shield American Indian Society, a Native American charity group based in Tustin, is collecting backpacks to deliver as holiday gifts for teenagers living on reservations.
The group has donated toys and others gifts to young Native American children in South Dakota since 1986 and last year began collecting backpacks filled with personal hygiene items for teenagers.
Many Native American students live in dormitory-style residences because of a school’s distance from home, said Walking Shield spokeswoman Andrea Weinberger. Often they arrive with meager possessions, she said.
Typically, the children do not receive holiday gifts, Weinberger said.
Donations will be accepted at Walking Shield offices until Dec. 1.
Backpacks should contain a comb or hairbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, shampoo, deodorant and lotion. Other useful, optional items include hair accessories, watches, purses and sweatshirts for girls; and wallets, watches and sweatshirts for boys.
Walking Shield offices are at 24722 Chambers Road, Suite 130, Tustin. Information: (714) 573-1434.
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