Message from the Divisional Commander
Dear Friends,
We have just finished our first week of the new year and I am hopeful as we look forward to better days in 2021. Although 2020 was a difficult year for everyone due to COVID-19, The Salvation Army saw first-hand individuals and communities responding in a wonderful way to support their neighbors in need. I want to thank all those who have generously given of their time or made a donation to support the ministries of The Salvation Army here in Alaska.
While the pandemic continues to present challenges, we are blessed to have programs like the McKinnell House Family Shelter and Clitheroe Residential and Outpatient Services that are able to remain open and offer hope to the most vulnerable. Our corps community centers throughout the state have had to cut many of their in-person programs substantially or completely at times in order to meet pandemic restrictions, but they are finding innovative ways to continue serving their communities. Since late March, our Serendipity Adult Services program in Anchorage and King’s Lake Camp in Wasilla have not been operational, but with a vaccine available, we are praying we will be able to begin serving those program participants at some point this year.
As we prepared for our holiday fundraising this year, The Salvation Army across the nation knew we had to do things differently. COVID restrictions would cause less foot traffic at stores where we place our red kettles causing a possible decrease in donations, but still, we were hopeful. As I said earlier, we are blessed with loyal and generous supporters and we knew, if we presented the need, donors and friends would come alongside to help. As a result, the ‘Rescue Christmas’ campaign was kicked off. The traditional red kettle campaign began earlier in the season and the opportunity was made available for all corps, and individuals who wanted to participate, to set up a virtual kettle. While many supported our holiday fundraising efforts, we were not able to meet our goal for the season. Our programs and services depend on these dollars to sustain their ministry throughout the year, so these dollars are critical. If you have not yet made a contribution and would like to help, you can do so by visiting alaska.salvationarmy.org and clicking Donate Now.
Thank you for your support! I pray that you stay safe and healthy, and that you and yours experience abundant blessings in 2021.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:7
In HIS Service,
Major John P. Brackenbury, M.O.L.