When Krista from the Alumni Relations team at St. Joseph’s Indian School thinks back to her college days, she remembers a simple joy: care packages from her grandparents. Sweet notes, surprise treats and the occasional “shareable” snack. Those packages always seemed to arrive at the perfect moment, like a warm hug through the mail.
“I remember feeling as though the packages arrived at the ‘right time’ when a little extra support was needed emotionally and financially,” Krista recalls.
That feeling stuck with her. Though it’s been years since those days, the memories inspired something special …
This year, Krista and the team at St. Joseph’s decided to pay it forward — 29 times over. They sent care packages to alumni currently attending higher education as Čhaŋkú Lúta Scholars, recipients of St. Joseph’s scholarship program. Čhaŋkú Lúta is the Lakota phrase for “Red Road” which means to live with honor. The goal was simple but powerful: to remind young adults that their St. Joseph’s thiyóšpaye — extended family — is cheering them on as they tackle finals, navigate dorm life or just miss home.
This year’s effort was a true campus collaboration. Krista and her team handpicked items from the donations center — personal care products, school supplies, snacks and gift cards funded by generous donors. Once the goodies were gathered, a team who helps with the mail took over assembling, addressing and shipping each bundle of happiness.
“We appreciate and rely on the generosity of donors to make this possible!” said Krista.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of each package was the personal note tucked inside. Former teachers, houseparents, mentors and staff wrote words of encouragement — little reminders that the recipients are never far from the hearts of those at St. Joseph’s.
And the response? Pure gratitude. Alumni sent back thank-you messages that warmed our hearts and sparked conversations about college life, career dreams and everything in between.
While the care packages were a hit, they’re just one piece of a larger puzzle. St. Joseph’s is committed to supporting alumni through every stage of life — whether it’s job hunting, college planning or simply staying connected.
“We want our alumni to know we’re here,” Krista says. “Not just as a school they once attended, but as a lifelong support system.”
So next time you think a granola bar and a handwritten note can’t change the world — think again. Small acts of kindness can change a person’s day, which can change their week and continue snowballing into a brighter future.
What are our alumni up to? Visit www.stjo.org/alumni for more news and stories.
