FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 17, 2005
Contact: Sherry Hill, Cell (907) 321-2838
Ross Soboleff, (907) 465-1611
Governor presents $20,000 to Food Bank of Alaska to help with Thanksgiving effort
Community’s “Thanksgiving Blessing Project” will provide food to more than 2,700 families
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( Anchorage, Alaska) – Governor Frank H. Murkowski and Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Karleen Jackson today presented a $20,000 check to Food Bank of Alaska at its Anchorage warehouse facility to help support the Thanksgiving Blessing Project, a holiday food distribution effort.
“This is the time of year when food banks and pantries get their greatest number of requests for food,” Governor Murkowski said. “Our contribution will help Food Bank of Alaska provide food for the Thanksgiving holiday for many families in Anchorage.”
Governor Murkowski said that the $20,000 check he presented to Food Bank of Alaska would help support the Anchorage Thanksgiving Blessing Project. Last year, the Anchorage faith and nonprofit community came together to coordinate the distribution and provision of Thanksgiving meals and food baskets to more than 2,700 families. By helping purchase 2000 turkeys, this year’s contribution will assist in combating hunger in Alaska during this time of significant need.
The Anchorage “Thanksgiving Blessing Project” involves nonprofits, government agencies, churches, faith organizations and community groups distributing Thanksgiving food baskets to those in need through six locations across Anchorage on Nov. 21. Thanksgiving Blessing partners include the Alaska Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Lutheran Social Services, the Municipality of Anchorage Safe City Program, CrossPoint Community Church, Faith Christian Community Church, Abbott Loop Social Services, New Hope on the Last Frontier, Muldoon Community Assembly, Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, United Way of Anchorage and several area churches and faith communities.
“ Alaska has a network of very effective organizations that provide some of the basic needs for individuals and families most in need of help,” Commissioner Jackson said. “By supporting the creative, collaborative, community-based activities of that network, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors and fellow Alaskans. Today, we are pleased to have a small part in supporting this compassionate effort to help families for the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Food Bank of Alaska is dedicated to eliminating hunger in Alaska by obtaining and providing food to partner agencies and through anti-hunger leadership. Food Bank of Alaska has served hungry Alaskans for 26 years and has distributed more than 40 million pounds of food through a statewide network of more than 300 hunger-relief agencies who directly serve hungry Alaskans.
Individuals can make financial contributions online to Food Bank of Alaska or find out more about Food Bank of Alaska and how to contribute food, funds, to volunteer or to participate in Thanksgiving Blessing at http://www.foodbankofalaska.org/index.html and click on the Virtual Turkey Drive.
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Fact Sheet: Hunger in America and Alaska (PDF 50KB)
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