Rapid City, SD – The Cheyenne River Youth Project is calling on community members, donors, and volunteers to support its annual holiday toy drive, which aims to bring gifts to about 1,500 children throughout the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.

Four decades of “Moon of Giving” tradition

Now in its fourth decade, the nonprofit’s Wo Otúh’an Wi Toy Drive—named for the Lakota phrase meaning “Moon of Giving Away Presents”—continues a tradition rooted in Lakota values of generosity and communal care. The program reaches children in nearly 20 communities across the 2.8‑million‑acre reservation, providing personalized presents based on wish lists each child creates.

Leadership emphasizes youth joy and inclusion

Julie Garreau, founder and CEO of the Cheyenne River Youth Project, says the drive gives children a chance to enjoy the holidays and feel included. “For a little while, it levels the playing field for our youth and gives them the freedom to simply be kids,” Garreau explained.

How the drive works

Children submit wish lists that are shared with donors. Participants can adopt a child, purchase specific gifts, organize a local collection effort, or make a financial contribution. Staff and volunteers then sort, wrap, and prepare thousands of presents for distribution.

Jerica Widow, the project’s programs director, notes the effort is designed to ensure every child feels recognized and valued. Programs specialist Nation Cowins adds that the wish lists also give staff insight into each child’s interests and family life, helping the organization tailor support beyond the holiday season.

Volunteer and family involvement

The nonprofit is seeking local volunteers to help wrap and organize gifts in mid‑December. Families living on the reservation can still register through the Youth Project’s Family Services program, ensuring broad participation across the community.

The organization hopes to have all gifts distributed by the winter solstice, bringing a festive conclusion to the year for reservation families.

About the Cheyenne River Youth Project

Founded in 1988, the Cheyenne River Youth Project provides a range of programs for children and families throughout the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, focusing on education, health, and cultural enrichment. The annual toy drive is one of its most visible community‑building initiatives, highlighting the power of collective generosity during the holiday season.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.