Provide solar lanterns to poor school children

While we continue to support our many projects providing light for school childrent world wide, our current priority now is the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. This is the location of the notorious massacre at Wounded Knee. Many of today's residents continue to live in poverty and desperation. Many have unreliable or intermittent electricity, and many living removed from paved roads, have no electricity at all. 

Solar Empowerment Initiative cannot right an historical wrong. But it can make lives a little easier for those who live there, especially the children. 

So far we have sent 200 solar flashlights, 200 solar lanterns with USB output, and 500 rechargeable solar light bulbs. These latter are especially appreciated. For families with intermittent electricity, they can be charged in any light socket, and when needed can provide six hours of bright light for homework and other tasks after the sun has set. For families with no electricity at all, they can also charge in the sun. And South Dakota has a lot of sun.

Our agent on the reservation is the Reverend Michelle Dayton. She has given us permission to post these recent responses from her.

Dear Mike:

The Light bulbs are particularly popular -- I am hearing about their use in garages, dark homes (many structures being very old with dicey knob and tube systems), and as back up illumination. Over time, I will continue to poll the recipients, and see what they say. 

 Thank you for your generous offer to send more. I have had requests already for additional lights. (Word travels fast here on the Pine Ridge.)  

Have a blessed Holy Week! 

 Gratefully,

Michelle+

Rector

St. Katharine's Episcopal Church, Martin

Superintending Presbyter

Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission

605-685-1454

 On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 11:57AM MICHAEL VARHOLA <mikevar@verizon.net> wrote:

Michelle,  

That is so good to hear. Now that we have broken the code on how to get three different items to you from three different suppliers, we can start shipping the preferred items on a regular schedule. Just tell me what to send and when.

I am particularly interested in what you think of the rechargeable solar bulb. 

 Mike

 On Thu, Mar 30, 2023 at 5:47 AM, Michelle Dayton

<revmichelledayton@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Michael:

All of the lights you sent have been distributed through the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Batesland, and to others on the margins, particularly the unsheltered on the reservation. For our people who live far from main roads and with power issues (or lack of power) these are a God-send.  I have heard only positive feedback from the people who have received them about their usefulness. 

We have many sunny days here in South Dakota, so the solar feature on the lanterns is so very helpful for those without power. 

Thank you so much for your generous gifts to the people of Pine Ridge. 

Gratefully,

Michelle+

Rector

St. Katharine's Episcopal Church, Martin

Superintending Presbyter

Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission

605-685-1454

Links:

• Wounded Knee Massacre