Hope Marches On During Christmas at The Salvation Army
Traditions Continue with Our Christmas Program Partners
Our recent Christmas season was once again a delight in the face of continuing Covid restrictions and the ongoing economic challenges facing Alaskans. Thanks to all of the generous donors, volunteers, and organizations, families in need throughout Alaska were able to celebrate and receive the love and joy of their compassionate and generous neighbors. Join us for a photo journey through Alaska as we visit our different corps and programs celebrating Christmas 2021.
We begin with our Operation Santa Claus program which provides gifts to children in remote villages of Alaska in partnership with the Alaska Air National Guard. Items are packaged in our Anchorage facility by volunteers for the Service Extension program headed by Jenni Ragland. Op Santa has been going strong for 66 years.
Police officers and firefighters continued the tradition of Shop with a First Responder accompanying children on a Christmas shopping spree through Fred Meyer. Children from our McKinnell House Family Shelter were once again invited to take part in this exciting day as they shopped for presents for their families and themselves. They enjoyed a limo ride to and from the store and lots of goodies and treats throughout the day courtesy of the first responders.
Alaska Waste once again provided donated bikes through their Christmas Promise Bike Build sponsored by Bob's Services. The Salvation Army was able to distribute these bikes during our Anchorage GIFT program this year. As part of a volunteer day, Alaska Waste employees and their families built a total of 77 bikes. We are continually grateful for the community partners we have who entrust us in Doing the Most Good with the items they provide us.
Christmas and Kettles at Alaska's Corps
Anchorage, Kenai, and Kodiak Corps - Christmas 2021 (Top to Bottom)
Kettle Bell Ringers for Haines dressed in holiday style
Kettle Bell Ringers in Fairbanks, Wrangell, and Homer (Left to Right)