
The OIMC once again brought holiday joy to the students of Little Eagle Grant School through its annual Christmas mission trip. Now in its fourth year, the project continues to provide Christmas gifts to K-8th grade students at the school, located on the Standing Rock Reservation in a remote area of South Dakota.
During the visit, the team was warmly greeted by teachers, staff, and students. Ms. Laura Grijalva, assistant to the principal, shared, “Students were excited to hear that you all were coming back to the school.” The children, described as bright, smart, and creative, expressed their appreciation for the gifts and the connection forged with the OIMC.
The project traces its roots back to 2018, when OIMC first visited the Standing Rock Reservation to distribute UMCOR school kits. During one of those trips, a wrong turn led the team to the Little Eagle community, where they observed the challenges faced by residents, including high unemployment and poverty. Recognizing the need for additional support, the OIMC established an ongoing relationship with the school to provide much-needed resources and care.
This year’s effort was celebrated widely, including a comment from Bishop Merrill on Facebook, who said, “I love this connection of service and sharing, so far from here!”
Looking ahead to 2025, the OIMC hopes to involve even more churches in the
mission, ensuring every student at Little Eagle Grant School feels the warmth and generosity of the holiday season.
This year, the mission welcomed new donors who collected and contributed gifts, helping to expand the reach and impact of the project. The OIMC extends heartfelt gratitude to the following donors:
Grace Indian UMC
Good Springs UMC
D.D. Etchieson UMC
Mt. Scott Kiowa UMC
Maplewood and North Elkhorn Valley Parish of the Great Plains
Conference
Cabinet of the Great Plains Conference
Bishop David Wilson and family
Mashell Sourjohn, AARP Oklahoma
OCU Wills Clinic and OCU NALSA