Neighborhood GIFT 2017 serves thousands of Anchorage families
MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND
The annual Neighborhood GIFT event—one of the largest annual charity events distributing holiday gifts and food to individuals and families in need—takes place Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 13 and 14, in Anchorage, and on December 13 in Eagle River.
The Christmas-time distribution is a collaborative project between The Salvation Army, Food Bank of Alaska, Lutheran Social Services of Alaska, U.S. Marines Toys for Tots-Anchorage, and many other social service organizations.
The GIFT distribution takes place in Anchorage from 12 -7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at the Sullivan Arena. In Eagle River, the distribution occurs from 12-7 p.m., Wednesday only, at St. Andrew Catholic Church.
Last year, 5,753 families in need were helped (over 15,000 individuals) and 7,767 children received presents. This year, organizers anticipate serving as many if not more deserving Anchorage area residents.
At the distribution event, families in need receive help from volunteers to pick out toys (one for each child, 14 and under) and food for the holidays. By the end of the event hundreds of volunteers will have spent thousands of hours bringing some cheer to their Anchorage neighbors. “This event could not happen without our volunteers,” said Major Mike Dickinson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Alaska. “At last year’s GIFT event 875 volunteers put in 3,107.5 hours over two days to make sure that people in need received food, gifts, and a little bit of hope.”
The two-day event distributes the food and gifts to different people on different days depending on their zip code. Individuals and families in need should visit The Salvation Army website, alaska.salvationarmy.org, so they can show up during the date assigned based on their ZIP codes, also specified in this event flyer.
With the help of donations from the community, Food Bank of Alaska will be providing groceries for a complete, nutritious holiday meal, including a whole frozen turkey. Executive Director Jim Baldwin says, “Families are so relieved that they can provide a holiday meal without having to jeopardize their rent payment or gas to get to work.” Donations to support these efforts can be made at foodbankofalaska.org.
The Salvation Army emphasizes that there is still an urgent need for gifts and Anchorage residents are encouraged to visit an Angel Tree location and donate new, unwrapped toys. “Our toy drives can make a big difference for Alaska’s children,” said Major Dickinson, “and while people have been very generous this year, we are still in very short supply for gifts, especially for ages 9 -14.” Toys to be distributed at this event have been donated by individuals at area stores through Fred Meyer collection barrels, Walmart Fill the Truck boxes, and at about 60 participating Angel Tree locations throughout Anchorage and Eagle River.
While GIFT takes place in Anchorage and Eagle River only, The Salvation Army manages gift drives and distributions throughout Alaska. Angel Tree toy drives are also being held at The Salvation Army Corps in Homer, Petersburg, Juneau, Fairbanks, Kenai, and Cordova. More information about The Salvation Army’s gift drives in those communities should be directed towards the local Corps Officers.
Participating organizations include: Food Bank of Alaska, The Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services of Alaska, Fred Meyer, Walmart, U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots, United Way of Anchorage, Anchorage City Church, SMG/ Sullivan Arena, and St. Andrew Catholic Church with special thanks to The Salvation Army’s numerous Angel Tree partners.
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About The Salvation Army Alaska
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, supports those in need in His name without discrimination, offering spiritual encouragement and basic services to meet the needs of Alaskans in 18 communities. The Salvation Army has been caring for mind, body, spirit and soul of individuals, children and families in Alaska since 1898. For more information, please visit alaska.salvationarmy.org.
About the Food Bank of Alaska
Food Bank of Alaska is dedicated to eliminating hunger in Alaska by obtaining and distributing food to partner agencies feeding hungry people and by providing anti-hunger leadership. Last year the organization distributed 7.2 million pounds of food – the equivalent of 6 million meals – through more than 300 partner food programs across the state. For more information, please visit www.foodbankofalaska.org.