The Salvation Army Shows Appreciation at Gratitude Gathering
It was very exciting to have so many of our friends at the Gratitude Gathering. We were happy to unveil our annual Gratitude Report and to thank the donors and volunteers and supporters that make our work in Alaska possible.
All of our program directors and Corps officers from Southcentral Alaska were on hand to show our appreciation. Our volunteers helped us raise $781,000 during our Red Kettle Christmas campaign last year. This is a 13% increase from last year and it made us the best fundraising division out of every state and territory in the West!
We were very happy to give our Bell-ringer of the Year Award to Charles and Lois Feaster of Wasilla. This amazing pair of Alaskans had been volunteering with The Salvation Army for over 27 years! In just the last five years they rang the bells for well over 100 hours and raised more than $15,000!
Our Organization of the Year award went to the On Ramp Group from Changepoint Church. They volunteered for over 700 hours, got over 80 gallons of paint donated, and spearheaded the refurbishment to the McKinnell Family Shelter. For two years they have organized the Angel Tree at Changepoint. And they continuously round up donations of blankets, pillows, and sheets for the families staying at McKinnell.
The Northern Lights awards are given in several categories and are for people who whose service is an obvious and special inspiration to others through their work. This year one of our younger supporters received the Northern Lights Youth Award for her love of community and commitment to Doing the Most Good. Grace Victoria Green led a team of youth volunteers to gather gift donations for 300 elderly home-bound Alaskans. She distributed hot chocolate, bibles, socks, and sandwiches to the homeless in Anchorage. For three years she has been a force for good in her community and shining example of how bright the future can be.
We are so lucky to have such friends!