This mission partnership that started in 2009 between Virginia Baptist Women’s missions and the Standing Rock Reservation, has truly been a hand-in-hand, heart-to-heart effort to bring hope to Native Americans (Sioux-Lakota) living in the Dakotas. Prior to COVID, 200+ volunteers would travel to the reservation – providing educational reinforcement, Bible education and needed necessities.
Standing Rock Reservation covers an area about the size of Connecticut on the border of North and South Dakota. The reservation is home to about 8,500 people who struggle with the issues of unemployment, alcoholism, poverty and domestic violence. Desolate land and extreme weather conditions make this area a difficult place to live and work. The population ranks among the lower 5% in the US poverty rating. The closest shopping is a 100 mile round trip to Bismarck.
In the past, shoes, underwear and hygiene kits have been the primary items shared. This year a smaller group will be going (due to COVID) and distributing the items listed below.
Will you pack a backpack? Will you fill a tote?
Backpacks/totes are available for pickup on –
Saturday, April 10, 10:00-Noon
Sunday, April 11, 11:30-1:30
Seal of the Standing Rock Mission Team
Just pull up along the WHBC breezeway and Women on Mission will provide
the backpack &/or tote and list of supplies needed. Estimated cost to fill a backpack or tote is $15.
If unable to pick up backpack/tote on above dates, they will be available in church office.
Please return the backpack/tote to the Ministry Box near the side entry door. No later than May 26, please.
WMUV Goal: 2,000 School Supply Backpacks and 500 Preschool Totes
Walnut Hills Baptist Church Box Ministry Goal: 200 Filled Backpacks and 50 Filled Preschool Totes
Fill BACKPACK with: gender neutral items with no pictures/design, please
1 Subject Notebook (wide-ruled)
1 Composition Book
Notebook Paper (wide ruled)
2 Glue Sticks
2 Plastic Prong Folders
1 package Black or Blue Pens
1 package No. 2 Yellow Pencils (20ct)
1 package Colored Pencils
Pencil Box or Pouch
Pink Eraser -2/pkg.
1″ Binder
pencil sharpener
individual sized hand sanitizer-2.oz
Fill Pre-school Tote with: coloring book, crayons, books, small stuffed animal, word/number/educational cards