Program offers servicemembers chance to help at home Published Nov. 21, 2006 By 2nd Lt. Randall Claar 21st Operations Support Squadron PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- The Christmas season is a time when Americans traditionally give to the needy. Lately people have been sending items to people in distant countries who need them. Closer to home there is a group of children and families who would benefit just as much from the generosity of others. These people live in South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation, home to more than 15,000 Lakota Native Americans. These people live in what many may see as extreme poverty; average family income on the reservation in 1999 was $3,800, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Many families have no electricity, telephone, running water or sewer. The life expectancy for men is only 47 years, and for women, it is in the low 50s. And to end the statistics on a sobering note, the infant mortality rate is five times higher than the average. On this reservation, which is the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined, there are a number of orphans. These children range from six months to 17 years of age and, due to the poverty, often do not have many of the necessities of life. Warm clothes, blankets, sheets, towels, pots and pans, hygiene items, school supplies, diapers and other items are in short supply. With the nearest place to shop more than 80 miles away and very little available transportation, a trip to buy these basics is little more than a dream. Volunteers from the 21st Operations Squadron are gathering clothing, hygiene products and other items to be delivered to the reservation in early December. People here can help these fellow Americans out during the holiday season by donating "lightly used" clothing or household appliances and other reusable items. Those who wish to can also sponsor a child to make sure they have something to open Christmas morning. To make a donation, sponsor a child or for information, call 2nd Lt. Randall Claar at 556-1502 or Maj. Mike Angle at 556-8903. People can also arrange to drop off a donation or have it picked up.