Situated near the Utah and Arizona border amongst the beautiful and iconic landscape of Monument Valley is the community of Oljato, the location for the 2022 Navajo Santa Family Delivery, which took place on December 3. Based on a Sub-for-Santa model, this program reaches families and elders on the Navajo Nation with the greatest need. Navajo Santa Board Member Patrick Juhlin worked closely with Oljato community members Peggy Abrigo and Charlene Fowler, who served as our guides and helped us identify 18 families and elders (72 individuals) to be part of the program.
In addition to the gifts provided by the sponsor families, Navajo Santa received a substantial grant from American Express that allowed us to purchase many cases of canned goods, Bluebird flour, rice, beans, and fresh fruit for each family. The food provided will feed each family for many months.
We would like to thank Travis Hale and family for once again donating the use of their trailers to carry all the food and gift bags. Paula and Gary Evershed for donating “Ready Now” hygiene and first aid products. Sharyl and Rich Noble for donating toys and candy. Patterson Dental for donating the dental hygiene items. Leslie Peterson for making her beautiful dolls, and Margie and Rick Couron for their handmade wooden toy airplanes. Plus, we recognize Macey’s Spanish Fork, Sweets Candy, Costco and the staff at The View, and the 2022 family sponsors – your generosity never ceases to amaze us. And our generous grant sponsors – American Express and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.
And, finally, a special thank you to Toni and Randall Dee for always making your time available to us! Thank you!
Happy holidays to you and your families. If you have the means, please consider donating to Navajo Santa.
Ya’at’eeh Keshmish (Merry Christmas in Navajo)
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