Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys prepares for 2009 holiday season

Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys has been making a positive difference for Akwesasne families during the holiday season for the past 14 years. The non-profit organization is run by many dedicated volunteers whose goal it is to provide holiday meals and toys for families in the community. Last year, the Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys served an astounding total of 1380 families.

“We are really grateful for all the donations we received last year,” said volunteer Amber Herne.

This year, organizers and volunteers have been meeting every Thursday at 6 pm at the Brass Horse Bar and Lounge since September.

“We are all united to do something good for the community,” said Sesir Herne, organizer and volunteer who has been working for the Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys for the past four years, “It keeps getting more fun and better every year. It is all about people helping people.”

You too can help be a part of making this year’s basket drive by showing your support at one of the many upcoming Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys events. Nov. 22 will be basket sign ups at the Senior Center in Hogansburg from 10am-4pm, please have band number, tribal identification number, and license ready. Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 Radio Bingo on CKON. On Dec. 6, there will be a kid’s carnival at the Brass Horse for Logan Cree’s Birthday, an inspiring young man with a generous heart who gives his own gifts to the basket drive. On Dec. 11, the main event at the HAVFD station 1 benefit breakfast and lunch, 50/50 prize raffle, and silent auction. Dec. 14 basket distribution for the seniors at the Senior Center and Dec. 14-16 basket distribution to all community members in need. Baskets can be picked up or delivered by tribal police. No one is ever turned away and all leftover donations are distributed to surrounding communities as well as other native communities in need.

If you would like to donate or organize an event for the Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys you can contact the committee to present a proposal in writing. Volunteers can also contact by phone 518-358-2268 or 607-592-4940 or mail P.O. Box 817 Akwesasne, NY 13655, or you can see the Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys Facebook group at http://facebook.com/akwesasnebasketdrive for more information and updates.

The following people/organizations make this event possible year after year.  They include the Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department Station number one, Kateri Hall, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the SRMT Seniors Center, CKON, Indian Time, the Mohawk Bingo Palace, First Americans IGA, the Hogansburg Post Office, all local schools and daycare centers, the Brass Horse Lounge, Mohawk Council and it’s employees, the Petroleum Co-op, Tarbell Management Group, all businesses, friends and neighbors of Akwesasne.  Thank your from the Akwesasne Basket Drive Committee

Photos of last year’s festivities, courtesy of the Akwesasne Basket Drive and Mountain of Toys Facebook group