Donate to Aid to Navajo Nation Families with James Byrczek

My name is James Byrczek. I am a graduating senior at the Lycée Français de New York. Throughout my life, my goal has always been to make a meaningful impact in the communities I have lived in and in the places I have visited.

Last summer, I had a life-changing experience with the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, staying with Vicky Wellito, a Torreón/Star Lake Chapter Community Coordinator. During my stay, I volunteered at the local library and helped organize a charity event that provided backpacks and school supplies for children before the start of school. While I was happy to contribute during my time in New Mexico, the true beneficiary of spending time with the Navajo people was me. While I was with the Navajo Nation, I developed a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for Native American culture and history, especially that of the courageous Navajo Nation.

This summer, I have been invited back as a trip chaperone. I am excited to be volunteering with the Navajo Nation again. My goal is to amplify my efforts and impact by raising $1,500 through this GoFundMe fundraiser. As background: poverty in the Navajo Nation, particularly in the Torreón/Star Lake Chapter of the Navajo Reservation, is both severe and endemic, with poverty rates currently exceeding for 71.6% of the families residing in Torreón, New Mexico. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the struggles of these families, who were already grappling with the ravages of poverty. Despite pandemic recovery, continued economic pressures, rising costs, and uncertainties have continued to negatively impact this wonderful community. 100% of the money I raise will support members of the Navajo Nation who reside in—and around—the Torreón/Star Lake N.M. Chapter of the Navajo reservation.

Wally Toledo, a respected elder of the Navajo Nation, whose father was a member of the famed World War II Navajo Code Talkers, will direct the funds to the families and facilities that are most in need of assistance on the reservation. Mr. Toledo is a respected, dedicated leader who cut short his college career at Dartmouth College to return to the Navajo reservation and serve his people. Thereafter, Mr. Toledo acted as the Community Coordinator of the Torreón/Star Lake Chapter Section of the Navajo Reservation, eventually becoming the Chapter’s President and serving for over thirty years prior to his retirement. Please consider donating to help me help Wally Toledo support the members of the Navajo Nation residing in Torreón, New Mexico.