Masks Needed at St. Joseph’s Indian School

More masks, such as the one seen here worn by a St. Joseph’s Indian School staff member here, are needed in preparation for the 2020-21 school year.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the hands of our staff members and donors have been busily at work creating masks for people in need.

In the last several months, we have had 1,453 masks either donated to our school or created by staff members. Because of this, we’ve been able to share with groups who have needed them the most during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, we have donated 457 masks to:

  • Sanford Health Center Chamberlain – 110
  • Fort Thompson Indian Health Service – 58
  • Avera Medical Center, Chamberlain – 55
  • Wagner School District – 12
  • Lower Brule Indian Health Service – 102
  • Crow Creek elder residing at a care center – 130

It’s been wonderful to be able to share our masks, but as school approaches, we are now going to be stockpiling masks for our returning staff and students. We estimate each student will need around three or four masks each — kids will be kids and if a mask gets dirty, is misplaced, left at school or their campus home, we want them to have several spares. We also estimate staff will need a few masks of their own, as well, if they happen to misplace or forget their masks at home before coming to work.

With approximately 200 students and even more staff members, it doesn’t take long for the math to quickly add up …

We need more masks.

If you are handy with a sewing machine, we would gratefully accept more masks from any supporters who are able to lend a hand with helping us acquire more masks for the 2020-21 school year.

UPS Shipping Address:
St. Joseph’s Indian School
1301 N Main Street
Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325

Please send your mask donations to the following address. Philámayaye — thank you — for your love and support!

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

5 thoughts on “Masks Needed at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

    1. Sorry for the delay in response, Kati. We would happily accept more cloth masks, yes. Children are back now and although we have set aside several for each student, it’s always good to have more on hand if/when one of lost, torn, etc. Thank you!

      1. What are the ages of children? Or would (adjustable) adult size masks work ok? What is the address to mail some to?

        1. Our students range from 2nd grade to High school. Adjustable masks would be an a wonderful luxury! Thank you SO much! You can send them to:

          St. Joseph’s Indian School
          1301 North Main Street
          Chamberlain,SD 57325

  1. I’m so sorry that ya’ll are still needing masks. My husband and I barely survive on SS, so it’s hard to afford to donate anything! I did share your dilemma on Facebook, hopefully some will open their wallets! Some are still sewing them too. I hope you get some help! Blessings sent!

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