Volunteering for the Holidays

Charities need time as well as money

Tools

By Heather Hintze
Bio | Email

Story Created: Dec 18, 2012 at 5:42 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2012 at 6:14 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - When it comes to giving back to the community around the holidays, some charities need your time while others could use the money.

The Neighborhood GIFT plans to help about 6,000 families at the annual event on Saturday. Last year the Salvation Army distributed 11,000 toys to people in need but this year is still 8,000 short.

“Unfortunately there will be kids or could be kids who go without a toy at Christmas if we're not able to provide toys through our part of the gift program. So it's critical for us to have the toys to give to the kids,” said Major George Baker, the division commander for the Salvation Army Alaska.

If you can’t donate a toy, the Salvation Army will take some of your time at one of its nine programs. Each week volunteers package and deliver hundreds of meals for Meals on Wheels, and there’s always room for more people. Then, of course, there are the red kettles to fill.

“We've had a bit of a tough time this year with volunteers and getting enough volunteers, so we're a little behind in our kettle collection and we need some volunteers to help pick up that slack between now and the end of the season,” said Major Baker.

The Food Bank of Alaska is also a major part of Neighborhood GIFT, but almost all of the 2,000 volunteers spots for Saturday’s event are full.

“We've been really fortunate to have volunteers, but the worst thing you could end up having is folks coming and not having enough to do,” said Development Director Jim MacKenzie.

There are other ways to pitch in. Last year the Food Bank gave out around 18,000 turkeys and it always needs more. “We need birds. So spread the word. And funds. We have to look at January, February and March and the upcoming year. Unfortunately hunger is going to be with us next year as well,” said MacKenzie.

Groups say it’s great to have the extra help around the holidays but hope people remember to stay in the giving spirit all year long.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.