Many worthy charities to get
involved with during holidays
As the holiday season approaches, we would like to encourage our readers to do what they can to help their neighbors who are less fortunate in the community.
The economic downturn is affecting added numbers of local residents so it is even more critical that we do what we can to help in some way. Some can provide donations while other can provide their time.
There are several ways to make a difference:
Seven churches are partnering with the Food Bank of Alaska for the Thanksgiving Blessing project to provide Thanksgiving meals to 6,300 families citywide. Churches participating include: Crosspoint Church, Faith Christian Community Church, Central Lutheran Church, Muldoon Community Assembly, Saint Patrick’s Church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Joy Lutheran Church. If you can help provide food, please call one of the churches and see how you can be of assistance. The food will be distributed Monday, Nov. 23, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Beans Cafe does not need volunteers to hand out meals on Thanksgiving, but on regular days they are always looking for people to fill one of 94 positions providing food to the homeless. Contact Kathi Adkins at 297-5604
Many churches and synagogues such as the Anchorage Baptist Temple are providing food boxes for Thanksgiving, as well. If your place of worship is providing food boxes, consider filling one up yourself. They likely will be handed out tomorrow, but many of the same churches hold similar food box and present drives for Christmas as well.
The Salvation Army is running Adopt-A-Family to help families provide presents for Christmas. If you would like to get involved, contact Donna Bakke at 339-3427. Companies, families, or organizations can adopt a needy family through the second week of December.
One of the most well known organizations supplying gifts to children, of course, is the United States Marine Corp. The Marines are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children from toddlers to teen-agers. There are many collection sites throughout the city. For more information contact Sgt. Hollis Versyp at 552-7105.
Simple acts of generosity can bring happiness and cheer to so many this holiday season if we do our part. We encourage everyone who has the ability, to get involved with at least one organization this holiday season.
Of course, there are many worthy causes and organizations that we missed. If you know of, or are involved with, a charitable organization providing help this holiday season and would like to mention them, please leave a comment with the name of the organization and a way to contact them.
