Junior leads coat drive

Efforts to benefit those in poorest, coldest conditions

Published January 26, 2004; Category: STUDENTS

The South Dakota winter may be less unforgiving this year for the residents of the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation, thanks to the generosity of the Dartmouth community.

A coat drive, spearheaded by Noah Tsika '05, is to bring winter clothing essentials, gifts, and sundry items to Pine Ridge, situated in the two poorest counties in the United States.

"It's quite like a Third World country," Tsika said. "The trailers lack heat and indoor plumbing, and, believe it or not, the South Dakota winters are far worse than those we suffer through on the East."

The drive has succeeded in collecting over 200 winter coats that have been sent off to the American Indian Relief Council, which will distribute them to the residents of Pine Ridge.

Tsika attributed the success of the drive in part to his "capacity to annoy," which he says has called into action many students who normally do not take part in community service initiatives.

"We're outrageously lucky kids, and we know it, too," he said. "I'm proud of my most charitable peers."

The many coats collected notwithstanding, Tsika said that the residents of Pine Ridge need more. In particular, Tsika is seeking out good-quality donations, like coats that have been recently purchased. Old, ragged items deteriorate quickly, and the Pine Ridge community deserves quality, he said.

When students returned for winter term, Tsika shifted his focus from gathering donations to raising awareness, although he still accepts donations.

"I'm trying to emphasize to my peers that each of us has the opportunity to give gifts. We are truly blessed when we give," Tsika said.

Tsika will continue to accept donations throughout the winter. The drop-off point for all donations is the Upperclass Deans office in Parkhurst Hall. Contact Noah Tsika, Marilyn Ewing or Colleen Murphy through BlitzMail for further information.

By MATT LEWIS '05

Items accepted at the Upperclass Dean's Office

• Clothing: new and gently used (not stained, torn, missing buttons, etc.)
• Personal care items, including: slippers, curlers, bobby pins, brushes, combs, manicure items, soaps, towels, shampoo, toothbrushes.
• New underwear (women's, all sizes, and men's, up to size 42)
• Scarves, hats, gloves, warm winter clothing
• Quilts, blankets and afghans
• Household items
• Games
• Sports equipment (without any questionable logos or messages)
• Toys
• Books