Santa Joe' goes west to help Native Americans

BY PAT PASTERNAK

STAFF WRITER

Because of that TV show, a man now makes regular trips from the Albany Diocese to aid Indians in the West.

Mrs. Katchur was married to Joe, a telephone lineman. When he came home from work that evening, she told him about how deeply the television program had affected her. She was determined to do something because "no American should have to live the way they live."

Pitching in

The couple asked people in their parish to donate usable household goods, food and money to the residents of the reservation. Then they loaded everything into a U-Haul truck and drove to South Dakota. At the reservation, they gave the items to whoever needed them.

The next year, they did the same thing. And then the following year -- and the year after that.

That was more than 45 years ago. Although Mrs. Katchur now resides in a nursing home in Middleburgh, where the couple relocated, the retired lineman, now 76, is still making his yearly pilgrimage to "Indian country" to help.

"Once we saw the extreme poverty that these people were living in," he told The Evangelist, "my wife and I would never be able to walk away from it again without doing all we could to help."

One more trip

Mr. Katchur drove 1,650 miles to deliver his goods in such places as Ashland and Lame Deer in Montana, and Kyle, Chamberlain and Devil's Lake in South Dakota. He dropped off 1,400 composition notebooks and other school supplies, sporting goods, clothing, walkers, wheelchairs, air conditioners, medical supplies, 300 blankets, toys and food.

Mr. Katchur buys some of the items himself, but he said that "right from the beginning, people were so generous that it amazed us."

Large needs

"They have houses to live in, but that's about it. There is no industry around, so there is extensive unemployment. The soil in that part of the country is not really farmable for the most part. The residents have to rely on government assistance for everything, including health care. As a result, many are poor, and many have no hope for any kind of productive future."

He added that the results of living for years in such a situation are often anger, resentment and early death, either due to depression or substance abuse. There also is a high suicide rate.

"When I visited one of the schools, I learned that a 12-year-old boy that I knew had committed suicide," he noted.

Why he goes

"I go because people need my help," he said. "They need food, clothing and household items; but just as importantly, they need love and understanding. That isn't any more than anyone else asks in this world. I continue to go because I feel I have to, not just to satisfy myself, but because I believe that this is God's work."

Mr. Katchur plans another visit to the reservations during Lent and is looking for donations by individuals and companies, especially of children's socks, baby items, and men's and women's insulated underwear.

"Any item is welcome, of course," he said. "The more the better!"

(Joe Katchur is a parishioner of St. Catherine's Church in Middleburgh, where he is a greeter and usher. He also ministers at St. Joseph's parish in Schoharie. A third degree Knight of Columbus, he is a member of Council No. 4475 in Middleburgh, which has helped him financially in his efforts. To donate to his effort, contact him at 827-4918.)

(12-19-02) [[In-content Ad]]