THANK YOU................................

"Hands Across South Dakota"- the group of volunteer citizens of our state helping drought victims has reached another milestone.  In our long-term efforts to aid our farm and ranch neighbors, we have crossed the $150,000 threshold of cash donations. 

Most of these gifts have been received from church congregations, state and national offices of churches, and --THANKS TO YOU-- individual church members. 

While we have not reached our goal of $250,000, we are much closer.  This message is to invite continued participation in the effort and to let you know how well the program is doing.  Cash donations help pay transportation costs, counseling services, food purchases, and allowances to pay utility, insurance, medical and other bills. 

In addition, you will be pleased to know of the wonderful generosity of our farm, town and city neighbors in providing: 

    * Over 150,000 pounds of grocery food

      * 5,400 bushels of corn

      * 2,400,000 of soybean-hull pellets plus free rail transportation

      * 650 tons of hay and straw

      * 50,000 pounds of dried distillers grain

      * $15,000 for direct assistance

While we are pleased with the progress thus far, the need continues for additional support.  In particular funds are required for: 

    * Counseling services for individuals and families who continue to have great difficulty

      * Scholarship stipends for children to attend summer church and 4-H camps

      * Direct family assistance for medical and insurance needs and farm repairs.

Gifts for our farm and ranch neighbors may be directed to "Hands Across South Dakota" through the church collection and your judicatory office or send directly to the Hands Office at 1410 Dakota Avenue South, Huron, SD 57350.

Report as of 5/28/2003