Deliveries
Bought, hauled, and unloaded by hand
Native American men at Corcoran State Prison and SATF need firewood to hold ceremony. Many Paths One Destination buys it, hauls it, and unloads it — and has for years. One delivery costs about $1,000.
Why this matters
"That we 'pitiful men' can keep the fires of Hope and Ceremony lit! Thus creating a bridge to our Ancestors and Culture. You allow the colors of our past to burn brightly in our ceremonies, our futures, and our individual walks to become better men."
— Handwritten to MPOD, signed by members of the Yaqui and Apache Nations at CorcoranFor the men inside, the fire is the tie to their culture that a prison cannot replace. MPOD is the organization that answered when others turned the request away.
Current area supported
MPOD delivers to two state institutions in California's Central Valley, both in Corcoran, Kings County.
How it works
A formal proposal goes to the institution. Review typically runs two to three months, after which the prison issues a no-charge purchase order against MPOD's tax ID.
Sourcing the wood is the easy part. Transport and labor are the real cost — a truck, a trailer, fuel, and people to move several tons by hand.
Roughly two cords per run, unloaded at the gate. About $1,000 covers one complete delivery, start to finish.
Deliveries
In their own words
The men sent MPOD a painting. On the back of the canvas they wrote this by hand, and signed it with their names and their nations.
A second letter, from the Native Community at CSP-COR 3B
"We, the Native Community of Corcoran State Prison (3B), wish to extend our deepest gratitude and respect to Many Paths One Destination. Your continuous donations of firewood have been vital in supporting our spiritual journey and sacred ceremonies here on Mother Earth.
When our requests for assistance were turned away by others, Many Paths One Destination answered our call. For many months now, your organization has consistently extended a helping hand to our community when we needed it most.
Please accept our shared prayers, respect, and deepest appreciation. Your actions show a true, enduring care for our people."
In Solidarity and Gratitude,
The Native Community, CSP-COR 3B
Gifts from the men
How to help
Sponsors at $500 and above are recognized by name or logo at MPOD events and on this site. One note in fairness: gifts are directed to whichever institution MPOD is cleared to deliver to at the time, rather than to a donor-chosen facility. Many Paths One Destination is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
See the work
Contact
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Many Paths One Destination
board@manypathsonedestination.org · (408) 581-5245
About $1,000 puts one complete load of firewood on the ground at Corcoran. See the ways to give.