Brief Background About Our Outreach

Like most Americans, when I turn the water spigot I get running water, when I want light I flip a switch, and when my family needs medical care I pop across town for immediate access to my choice of clinics and hospitals.

We really need to feel grateful for the opportunity to have better living conditions than at least 3/4 of the world's population.

Recently being reminded of the fact that many of our own citizens are struggling to survive in what are worse than "third world conditions", and of the actions being taken by some area groups to help, has led us here at Gallery La Crosse to join in and take action, too.

The community at Porcupine, SD, on the Pine Ridge Reservation is struggling with a variety of issues. Most involve lack of access to what most of us take for granted; lack of jobs, very poor housing options, lack of running water, lack of electrical service, lack of good nutrition, and a severe shortage of medical services.

Tourism dollars flow freely every August to the community of Sturgis, just a short drive from Porcupine; but not into Porcupine, where unemployment is running at about 80% these days. So, it seemed appropriate that our Motorcycle Arts & Crafts Benefit Show (which was held in August 2010 for 3 weeks as "bikers" from all over the USA travelled through La Crosse on their way to Sturgis), combined with other local efforts to help out in Porcupine.

There is an on-going mission from our local healthcare community, coordinated by staff from Gundersen-Lutheran, to assist with healthcare needs at the community Clinic at Porcupine. And, a group of grad students at UW-La Crosse are working to create a community garden at Porcupine, where many chronic health issues are related to lack of good nutrition.

How Our Community of Artists is Helping

Second, we have a Donations Box & Needs List as a permanent part of our Gallery.

Third, we have set aside a space in our Gallery where Native American Artists & Artisans from the Porcupine, SD area will be able to sell their creations. While prices for Native American Arts & Crafts can be very high in many areas of our nation; for those Artisans unable to get their work seen and sold off of the Reservation, their work brings only a fraction of its true value back to those who put their skills and labor into creating it.

Actions You Can Take to Help

2. Make cash donations to help the medical mission to provide essential equipment & supplies for the community Health Clinic.

3. Purchase the creations of Native American Artisans who live on the Reservation at Porcupine. For many of them, selling their artworks can make a huge difference in what they are able to provide for their families.

4. If you are a healthcare professional, consider volunteering to assist in one of the medical mission trips to Porcupine, SD. Contact Gundersen-Lutheran in La Crosse for more information, 608 - 775 - 1418.

List of Needs

Needs Change Seasonally, Please Check Back Often

General Needs

Shoes in Good Condition

Winter Boots in Good Condition

Shampoo & Conditioner

Laundry Detergents

Razors & Shaving Cream

No-Crack Brand of Hand Creams

Health Clinic Needs

First Aid Supplies

Hand Sanitizer in Large Pump Bottles

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Dental Floss

Community Garden Needs

Clean 5 Gallon Pails

Garden Work Gloves

Water Hoses in Good Condition

Soaker Hoses

We are not looking to provide hand-outs, but rather to lend a helping hand-up from a nasty fall.