Summer is here and we are bringing you the latest updates in our mask donations. With the help of my friend Jane connecting us to Julie Stonefelt - a park ranger connected to the local tribes where she works, we are now working together to send our donation masks to the Comache Nation tribe.
Indigenous tribes have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Suffering from extreme poverty, many lack access to even just running water. They are in desperate need of masks and we are working as best we can to gather our donations and have them send to the Comanche people ASAP.
You can rest assured that your mask purchase with blaksands supports a local seamstress, covers the cost of sustainable materials and gives back to those who are in most need. Supporting the native tribes of the lands we occupy is extremely important to me, and it hardly feels like we are doing enough. Each mask makes a difference and I am filled with a great honor to be able to use my platform for good. I will continue to research additional ways to send aid and will be sharing that information here and on Instagram.
Starting immediately, all of our mask donations will be sent to the Comanche Nation tribe - however, we have gathered a list of tribes that need donations. If you have access to supplies and are able to sew and would like to send additional masks, Julie has compiled a list of tribes and addresses you can donate to (listed below). She has noted that masks and hand sanitizers are the most pressing items. (if sending sanitizer, please ensure it is not one of the recalled brands).
Lakota:
Inyan Hocoka Tipi Ki Family Resource Center
PO Box 302
Parmelee, SD 57566
Navajo:
Ashley Bruno
ATTN: Tohatchi/ B. Emerson Kitsman
609 S. First Street
Gallup, NM 87301
Seneca:
Ms. Monica Fellenz, PA
Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Health Center
36 Thomas Indian School Drive
Irving, NY 14081
Snoqualmie:
Ms. Anetta Townsend
Attn: Snoqualmie Home Care Health Unit
PO Box 969
Snoqualmie WA 98065
Comanche:
ADDRESS IF MASKS ARE SENT VIA US MAIL:
Comanche Nation Emergency Management
PO Box 908
Lawton, OK 73501
ADDRESS IF MASKS ARE SENT VIA UPS OR FEDEX
Comanche Nation Emergency Management
584 Bingo Road
Lawton, OK 73507
Have fabric to donate? We are looking for 100% cotton - bedding or linens are preferred.
Have further suggestios of where we can donate masks to? Please reach out!