H.M. Systems Inc.

Eastern Navajo Child Drive

Some of you may remember reading about the family of Marie I. Marie I and her five children: Jeffrey, Jeff, Ernestine, Davis and Dave lived together in a tiny, one-room hogan in Pinedale. I first met them in 1998 when I was working as a school psychologist at Eastern Navajo Agency.

Marie’s first (deceased) and second husband were both alcoholics. Marie suffered from severe arthritis and other medical problems. Several of the children have special educational needs. Jeff, for example, has a visual impairment. Most recently, the I’s (Marie’s family) were living in a trailer in a remote area known as “Second Canyon Road.” They had no electricity, no running water, no transportation.

Last Tuesday night, with the temperature as low as 19 degrees, Marie set out on foot to visit a cousin. Somehow, she fell into the arroyo and died from exposure. A family member found her the following day.

Customarily, the Navajo tribe pays for a simple funeral and suitable clothes for the bereaved family. It is likely that 18 year-old Ernestine, a high school student, will assume responsibility for her siblings.

The I’s are typical of the desperate poverty and misfortune that plague our Navajo people. This year, the Navajo Child Drive will aim to shine the Light of Christmas on 150 of our neediest Navajo families. Each family will receive a food basket, a new blanket, and a toy for each child under the age of 18. This year’s food baskets cost $58 apiece. The basket contains a turkey, flour, coffee, tea, canned vegetables, rice, beans, salt, sugar, baking powder, and cooking oil. Sometimes, “gently used” clothing or toys are tucked in.

Earlier today, I received a note from a friend who taught third grade at Tse’ii’ahi School for several years. Writing about the annual Child Drive, she said, “I remember the Christmas presents for LSM. She was blown away by the fact that it was new stuff and it was for her.” You can make cherished, happy memories for these children and their families by donating to the Navajo Child Drive. Remember, we are a tax-deductible organization. Everyone associated with the organization is a volunteer. There are virtually no overhead expenses. We come to you with our hands out only once a year.

Typically, a donation of $150 will provide for a family of four. Some families are very large and may include grandparents or cousins. In such instances, more than one food basket is needed. You can donate on-line at Navajo Child.org or by sending a check. We know that times are hard and that most of us have had to reduce charitable expenditures. Do not hesitate to donate any amount that you can. Please remember our Navajo families in your spiritual life.
God bless your generous hearts.

Keshmish Baa’hozho!
Merry Christmas!
God opens doors.
Love, Susan S.