Some of my happiest memories are of being a child at St. Joseph the Carpenter Church in Roselle, New Jersey.

So when I saw a mention online of St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota, I couldn’t help but pay attention. And I’m so glad that I did!

This School is NOT like the horrifying ones of old where Native American children were removed from their families against their will and forced to conform to Christian standards, or else. All of the children at THIS school are there because it’s where their parents want them to be. Their Lakota Sioux heritage is respected, not squashed, and all you have to do is take a look at the video above and see the kids getting their school Christmas presents to see how much they’re loved.

I give the school a small monthly donation. It was irresistible. After all, I feel like it’s from one “old St. Joseph’s kid” to these others! It’s a privilege to be part of “the change you wish to see in the world,” and enhancing the lives of these children can only be a positive step in the right direction. It’s also possible to donate to St. Joseph’s for other good things, like the cost of a Christmas stocking for a child. Their website, with a lot more information about this remarkable school, can be found at: https://www.stjo.org.

Check out this joyous video – and ENJOY!