<p>My name is Danny Janklow. I teach middle school at North Middle School in Rapid City. Every day, students come to school in need. Perhaps the last meal they ate was at school the day before. Perhaps they have no mittens or coats. Some have holes in their clothes or shoes. Fully 20 percent of our students were absent on any given day last year, one in five! It’s difficult to believe we face such poverty right here in Rapid City. </p><p>Education Psychologist Abraham Maslow teaches us those children who do not have their primary needs met (food, water, shelter), cannot concentrate on learning. Poor behavioral choices come far easier to these students than to those who come from well- structured, secure environments. </p><p>The government systems in place to help these students’ families are cumbersome and unwieldy. I have bought coats, shoes, clothes, socks, and food and paid the occasional electric bill so a child could have a hot bath or shower. My reward is seeing students who want to come to school, want to learn, and want to make their way in the world.</p><p>Yet the need is so much greater than what I can fill alone. That’s why we created Dakota Neighbors, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. At this time of year, you will be bombarded by worthy charities from around the globe asking for your help. Please consider making a donation to Dakota Neighbors, Inc., here at home. Your gift will help North Middle School’s neediest students and change our own Dakota Neighbors lives.</p><p>Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any consideration you can give to our young Dakota Neighbors, beautiful children filled with promise threatened by poverty. If you have any questions about Dakota Neighbors or our mission, please call me at (605) 394-4042. I’d welcome a chance to explain our goals and organization to you.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Danny Janklow North Middle School Dakota Neighbors, Inc. 1501 N. Maple Rapid City, SD 57701</p>