Help Ron Jumping Eagle Keep His Family Warm

Support Ron Jumping Eagle and his Kids on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Dear Friends and Chosen Family,

I’m reaching out today with a heartfelt request for help for a dear friend, Ron Jumping Eagle, a single father raising three wonderful children under the age of 18 on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. I met Ron during my travels to the reservation for ceremonies, and over the past few years we’ve become not only close friends, but call each other brother and sister. I’ve seen firsthand how strong and devoted he is as a father, despite the overwhelming challenges he faces every day. As winter settles in across South Dakota, where Pine Ride Reservations is located, Ron and his children are in need of extra support as they navigate these bitterly cold months. Your support at this crucial time is greatly appreciated.

Life on the Pine Ridge Reservation

The Pine Ridge Reservation is one of the poorest places in the United States, where many families face severe hardships. On this reservation, unemployment is high, and access to basic necessities like food, water, and heating is limited. Winters here are harsh and unforgiving, and without a reliable source of heat, families are at serious risk of exposure to the extreme cold.

Ron and his family live in a basic reservation home, but like so many on Pine Ridge, he struggles with the everyday realities of providing for his family. And with unemployment always at a high, they lack the resources needed to keep their home warm, provide enough food, or purchase the winter clothing they need to stay safe and healthy.

The Immediate Need: Propane, Food, and Warm Clothing

The most urgent need right now is propane for heating and cooking. Without a reliable supply of propane, Ron’s family cannot stay warm through the freezing winter months, and the children are at risk of being exposed to dangerously cold temperatures. Propane is also used for cooking, so without it, even preparing a simple meal becomes a challenge.

In addition to propane, Ron is struggling to provide enough food for his children. The cost of groceries in the area is high, and the need for healthy, nourishing meals is critical.

Finally, with the winter chill settling in, Ron also needs help providing warm clothing for his kids—coats, boots, gloves, and hats—to protect them from the bitter cold. Winters on the reservation can be brutal, and without the proper clothing, Ron’s children are vulnerable to frostbite, illness, and other health complications.

How Your Donation Will Help

Your generous donation will directly assist Ron and his family with the most pressing needs:

Propane – Providing enough propane for heating and cooking throughout the winter.

Food – Ensuring his kids have enough nutritious meals to stay strong and healthy.

Warm clothing – Supplying coats, boots, gloves, and other winter gear to keep the children safe in the extreme cold.

Christmas presents - Christmas presents for the children

Everyday needs – Covering basic necessities like toiletries, school supplies, and other items that make life a little easier.

A Father’s Love

Ron Jumping Eagle is a dedicated father who loves his children deeply. Despite the many obstacles he faces, he continues to push forward, always prioritizing his kids' well-being. Not only that, but Ron is constantly there for the people in his community as a sacred singer for funerals and other sacred ceremonies. Many times he offers his voice for nothing in return. He is a proud Lakota man, and the love and care he shows his children and his community is a reflection of the strength and resilience of his culture. But no one should have to face such difficult circumstances alone. I humbly ask you, during this season of giving, to show Ron and his kids that they are not alone and that there are people who care.

Please consider making a donation, no matter how small. Your generosity will have a direct and meaningful impact on Ron and his family. Every dollar will go toward helping them survive and thrive in what can be an incredibly harsh environment.

If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends and family to help spread the word. The more people who know about Ron’s situation, the more support he’ll receive. Every little bit helps. Whether it's $5, $25, or $100, your contribution will make a meaningful difference in their lives.

I often say we have our biological family and then we have our chosen family. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting part of my chosen family during this holiday season.

With deep gratitude and great love and light,

Martha