RAPID CITY - People eating lunch at the Cornerstone Rescue Mission on Monday were treated to several traditional Native American recipes in honor of Native American Day.

Mission board member Rick Livesey and Rapid City Alderwoman Deb Hadcock came up with the idea to serve traditional Native foods at the mission to celebrate the holiday.

"We're always working to come up with new ideas of ways we can help," Livesey said.

Livesey researched Native American recipes on the Internet and discovered one for wojape, a fruit pudding that resembles jelly and is usually served on fry bread.

He said years ago on the South Dakota plains, wojape would have been made using buffalo berries, but he used raspberries.

Livesey said there is a shortage of volunteers to serve lunch at the mission, because most groups volunteer to serve the evening meal.

"It's a blessing we can do it and combine it with Native American Day and serve traditional dishes," Livesey said.

Rapid City Mayor Alan Hanks lent a hand by serving chili to the hungry crowd.

"It's something everyone should consider doing at least once a year," Hanks said.

He said people usually think of donating or volunteering around Thanksgiving or Christmas, but there is a need year round.

He said if many community organizations and area businesses would just serve one or two meals a year, it would make a difference.

"I think it would really help open people's eyes as far as what the need is at the mission," Hanks said.

Alderwoman Deb Hadcock prepared the fry bread using homemade dough, her own recipe.

Volunteers also served chili, which is not traditionally Native American but was made with buffalo meat.

Livesey said groups or individuals are always welcome to provide food or help serve meals at the mission. To help, call the mission at 341-2844.

Contact Katie Brown at 394-8318 or katie.brown@rapidcityjournal.com