SAINT MICHAELS, Ariz. – Pumpkins were delivered to the children and residents of the Saint Michaels Association for Special Education and the children of the Hogan Hozhoni children’s home in Saint Michaels Oct. 7.
The pumpkins were part of a donation to area organizations that provide care services to those with special needs and those who are separated from their parents.
SMASE currently works with 53 children and adults from the age of 6 with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. The association cares for Navajo people from all parts of the Navajo Nation with special needs.
Speaker Seth Damon thanked the staff and administration of the association for providing needed services for Navajo people. “You are the backbone of our community,” Speaker Damon said.
Pumpkins were also delivered to Hogan Hozhoni, which is a children’s home that is operated by members of the Mennonite congregation. The children in their care are as old as eleven and have been separated from their birth parents.
“As we begin the new year, it’s important to remember all the Navajo people that need special care or a place to call home. For our Navajo children that need parents and homes, the Navajo Nation Council encourages our people to consider volunteering or to become providers and adoptive parents,” 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Edison Wauneka, who represents the chapters of Saint Michaels and Oaksprings, said.
Both SMASE and Hogan Hozhoni plan to hold pumpkin carving and pie making activities over the coming weeks for the children and residents in their care.
