Shine Adams

Not long ago, Shine Adams traded in his Volkswagen for a Toyota Tacoma. And while he’s enjoying the new ride, Adams said the reason behind the swap was so he could haul more gear up north.

Thursday morning Adams, his new truck and three of his coworkers will roll up to Cottin’s Hardware & Rental, 1832 Massachusetts St., to pack up with snow melt, propane, heaters and more, all headed for the Dakota Access Pipeline protest camps in North Dakota.

“They get a delivery Thursday at 7 a.m., so I’ll pull my truck up next to theirs and load up,” Shine said.

Shine Adams

“Personally, I’m not an environmentalist. Though I try to be conscious,” he said. “But these people are being trespassed on and I’d like to think that if someone was building something through my back yard, I’d feel the same way. It’s about land rights to me.”

And though the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied an easement earlier this month that would have allowed for the pipeline to pass under Lake Oahe, Adams said he’s heard crews are still working near the site, which is why protesters have remained.

Over the coming months protesters will face subzero temperatures, harsh winds and, of course, snow, Adams said. Now what the remaining protesters need are tools and supplies to keep warm, he said.

“At a certain point I said ‘screw it,’ I’m gonna take the last of my paycheck and head up there,” Adams said.

The logistics?

Adams said he’s already sunk about $1,000 of his own money into the trip and supplies. In addition, he figures gas will cost about $200 for the 11-hour drive.

A significant asset, Adams said, was that Cottins’ Hardware offered to sell him supplies at cost.

The crew?

All employees of the Lawrence Community Shelter, Adams said. Though, the adventure is not specifically organized or sponsored by the shelter itself, rather it’s “just a testament to the caring nature of the people that work here,” he said.

More than two years ago, Adams founded Sun Cedar, a woodworking company meant to help the down and out back on their feet. However, this year the business declared bankruptcy after being sued for trademark infringement.

Now, Adams works full time at the shelter, continuing his mission to help the less fortunate.

And more recently as he watched the DAPL protests from afar, Adams said he decided to pitch in with his own individual effort. As he put plans for the trip in motions, around 40 additional people have donated gifts for Adams to bring up north, he said.

The haul?

Approximately 500 pounds of snow melt, another 500 pounds of propane, winter clothes, oxygen-activated heating pads, ski masks, snow goggles and more.

“There’s a public list online of things protesters need,” Adams said.

In addition, Adams said he’ll be bringing his own set of tools to help reinforce shelters and offer repairs wherever necessary.

Leaving Thursday, Adams said he figures his group will arrive either that night or Friday morning and then they’re off to work.

“I’ll get up at dawn, work until I can’t see anymore, then go to bed,” he said. “I think I can get a lot done in four days.”

Those who wish to donate gifts or supplies to protesters may drop them off at Cottin’s Hardware before Thursday morning, Adams said.