Elders Prepare for Winter 

Few retail stores exist on remote reservations, so accessing everyday essentials like food, water, toiletries, and blankets is difficult at best. When winter weather hits, it’s an even bigger challenge for those who don’t have essentials at home. Native American Aid (NAA), a program Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA), offers Emergency Food Boxes for Native Elders who most need help during winter events. 

Janet B. runs the Senior Center on Nebraska’s Winnebago Reservation, following in the footsteps of her mom and sister who served as directors. Janet has been our Program Partner for 9 years and shared, “I’ve gotten to know the Elders, and I enjoy my work. I try to keep them busy with activities and give them social opportunities.” 

Janet distributed Emergency Food Boxes to Elders like 88-year-old Velma A. of the Winnebago Tribe. Velma has been crafting for years, and she shares her artistic talents with others at the senior center, making earrings, quilts, and beadwork. She told us, “I’m thankful for having the senior center to come to.” Right now, she’s making shawls for a Winter Gathering ceremony.  

The coming winter weather is on everyone’s minds, so Velma was pleased to receive an Emergency Food Box. She appreciated that the dry/packaged milk would last longer since it doesn’t need refrigeration, and she was surprised to find a book among the supplies. She shared, “I meet with my book club once a month!” 

Velma and her husband struggle to get supplies during the winter. They drive 18 miles to South Sioux City, Iowa, spending upwards of $300 on groceries; however, snow-covered roads are a constant obstacle, especially with her husband’s declining health. “My husband usually drives, but his health is becoming a problem.” 

Thanks to the Emergency Food Box, Velma won’t have to travel as much. She told us, “Seniors have trouble getting around, either physically or because they don’t have transportation, so it’s good to have these [supplies] on hand.” 

Velma was born in Winnebago but has traveled all over the world with the U.S. Army. “I’m proud to have served as secretary to three generals in the Pentagon,” she stated. She went on to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as well as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Velma and her husband, whom she met in the Army, raised six kids together.  

Your support matters to Native Elders like Velma and other families in need. Donate to NAA today.