The Program is organized in the Native American spirit of the Giveaway Circle. The Giveaway Circle has a tradition of giving the best that we have. That may be a gift of time, talents or skills, or actual gifts of food and clothing.To offer a gift in the Native way is to give something that is of value to you, and because it is valuable, you want to share it with someone else. In this way you honor that person with your gift. In the old traditional way these gifts included buckskins, jewelry, native baskets, and even ceremonial objects. Today, one can give as gifts, food items, blankets, clothing, or anything that would be useful to the Elders. They need not be large or expensive items.

An example of a giveaway for a traditional Elder may be a handmade quilt, handmade craft, a turquoise necklace, bracelet, or other art item. It could also be fabric, a native beaded article, or something that could be used by a grandchild or someone else in the extended family.

Our Program honors the giveaway of food in the Food Certificate Program and Rainbow Food Box Programs. The traditional Elders have lived their lives by having to go out and gather food for survival. Our gift of food honors them in another of their traditions to continue their lives.

If you would like to make a donation to further the mission of the Program, please visit the Donations page to see the available options.

Also,if, in this Giveaway Spirit, you feel you would like to volunteer your time to help the Program, please visit our Volunteer Activities Page to see what opportunities are available.