For local charities, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
"Between Thanksgiving and New Year's people are in a really charitable mood," said Katie Bender, Development and Marketing Director for the Red Cross of Alaska. "They'll either give gifts as charitable donations, and then they also will make their year end gifts this week."
The organization has recieved more than $16,000 in online contributions over the last two weeks alone, and with nearly 6,000 Alaskans receiving Red Cross email updates, Bender said the money is coming in from every corner of the state.
"I would say that at some point, probably three quarters of the individuals who receive it have either made a donation or volunteered," Bender said.
But it's not just limited to holiday giving: On Jan. 1, Alaskans will have the chance to take part in one of the biggest charitable opportunities in the state.
"This year we've expanded our outreach to include a robust online marketing campaign," said Jordan Marshall, special projects manager for the Rasmuson Foundation and director of the foundation's annual Pick.Click.Give campaign
The program allows Alaskans to donate money from their permanent fund dividends to hundreds of local charities. While only three percent of PFD recipients participated last year, a recent Rasmuson Foundation survey reveals more than 10 percent of recipients would be willing to give it a try.
Marshall said this points to a 300 percent potential for growth, and this year, a new system for giving allows donors to pick which cause they'd most like to help.
"We learned that top of mind for Alaskans are people who are hungry or homeless, people who are in emergency situations, and kids and education," Marshall said.
That includes groups like the Food Bank of Alaska, Covenant House and Bean's Cafe, which will all be listed on this year's Pick.Click.Give list.
