The Gift of Hope
by Karin L. Nauber
Project Joy is a holiday gift-giving program that has become a cherished tradition in Todd County. Now in its third year, Project Joy was born out of the legacy of Mama Marla’s Hike it or Bike it Gift Giving Program, which served the community for an impressive 20 years. When Mama Marla’s program retired, a group of determined local women—Lindsey Rinde, Megan May, and Kali Pesta—stepped up to continue its mission.
“We couldn’t bear to see such a magnificent resource go away,” explained Kali Pesta. “So we reached out to Kali Christensen, a local pastor and former social worker, as well as Marla Schnell, who led Mama Marla’s for so long. They were incredibly gracious with their time, contacts, and expertise. They taught us the ropes and gave us their blessing to carry on this important work.”
Spreading Joy During
Difficult Times
For many families, the holiday season can be a challenging, even traumatic, time. In a rural area like Todd County, where resources are limited, the stress of providing gifts for children can feel overwhelming....