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Juneau charities that only one week ago were looking at meager stocks of Thanksgiving food now report they are flush with feast fare. Leaders at the Glory Hole shelter and the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Thanksgiving basket volunteer drive said Monday that the community has come to the rescue.
Glory Hole Executive Director Mariya S. Lovishchuk said the soup kitchen and shelter downtown has received some 300 turkeys in one week and will “definitely” have plenty of food for its Thanksgiving dinner boxes, which go out every year to local families in need.
“We are totally good on food,” said Lovishchuk, who was expressing concern just last Monday over how much food the Glory Hole needed (http://bit.ly/TJBE93).
The situation was much the same for St. Vincent de Paul’s “turkey drive,” according to Rena Sims, one of the lead volunteers.
“I’m thinking I’ve got enough food for everybody,” Sims said. “When we started out, we were hesitant.”
Sims said last Wednesday that she was “a little scared” by how little food the drive had brought in by that point, but expressed optimism that donors in the community would pull through (http://bit.ly/T7SJZL).
Pull through they did. Sims singled out David McDowell and Myra Munson for particular thanks, but praised everyone who donated. She also thanked Alaska Pacific Bank and Channel Construction Inc. among companies that have supported the turkey drive.
“It just brought so much joy and tears to us,” said Sims, who has run the turkey drive alongside Louise Wertheimer and Paula Sumdum for a decade now (http://bit.ly/UH51HS). “This community is fabulous, the entire community. You know, we have so many people that give from their hearts.”
Sims said her group is giving away more than 500 dinner baskets this Thanksgiving, loaded up with either a turkey or ham, green beans, corn, pumpkin pie, stuffing, rolls, iced tea, gravy, cranberry sauce, marshmallows, olives and more.
“Our Thanksgiving is going fabulous,” Sims said happily. “This is probably one of the better Thanksgivings we’ve had.”
Lovishchuk echoed Sims’ assessment, remarking, “This is a great Thanksgiving. I think this is definitely the best year we’ve ever seen.”
Both Lovishchuk and Sims reported some extraordinary acts of giving.
“It’s really amazing,” said Lovishchuk. “I was at the Safeway the other day and I was actually buying turkeys, because we needed some small turkeys for the senior citizens, and I had $530 worth of turkeys in my basket, and as I was about ready to swipe (my card) … some amazing, wonderful woman just paid for all the turkeys.”
McDowell donated 240 turkeys for the Thanksgiving baskets at St. Vincent de Paul, Sims said.
“He jump-started us,” said Sims. “And then the community made up the rest of the turkeys, which was over 400 turkeys.”
Meanwhile, Sims added, Munson “picked up … all my sides, mainly, and my pies.”
Sims also acknowledged the help of community volunteers, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in putting together the baskets.
• Contact reporter Mark D. Miller at 523-2279 or at mark.d.miller@juneauempire.com.
Comments (54)
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To defend the state employees a little, in 2011 those "scamming state workers" pledged over $420,000 of their own money to various chariatable organizations. Seems that some individuals can only see in black and white. Unfortunatly for them the world is grey.
@Kpaw
I'm a vegetarian.
And just so you know, your negativity doesn't spoil my good mood.
: )
I sincerely wish you happiness and peace, however you may find it.
Weeza from Steel Magnolias
"Easy, may you choke on your turkey leg." I just realized who Que Pasa reminds me of. LOL!!!
: - )
Just going to do it
OK kpawsuh, I'm just going to do it. It seems like you need one...
HUG!!!!
Feel better?
i hear you , KP
Years ago when I first moved to Juneau, I was paying $750 for rent plus all my utils. I had an old, rickety car and was a newbie with the State. I admit I did not do my homework and Juneau sky-high cost of living caught me unawares. A co-worker mentioned the Southeast Alaska Food Bank as a way to make ends meet until I could figure out a budget and get a better idea of my monthly costs. Perfect. I wasn't then and am not now too proud to take help IF AND WHEN I NEED IT.
When I showed up in my rattley, sputtering car, I figured I was in the wrong spot, or that there were a TON of fantastic volunteers at this one little food bank. Maybe I was a little early? Or too late? I was surely confused by all the new, shiny, huge SUVs crowded up next to the entrance.
Once I finally got in the door with my one empty bag to fill, I was elbowed, pushed, and knocked about by the other patrons, most of whom were sporting fresh manicures, fancy haircuts, designer clothing, COACH bags, and expensive perfume. I was not only shocked, but embarrassed about the whole thing. It made me feel rotten to be involved in such a scam, even though at that time, I thought I kind of needed a little extra.
I never went back until about two years ago, but to the new location, and this time I was happy to be dropping off items just about this time of the year. Sadly, I saw the exact same abuse. Again, big, shiny SUV with the driver on their smart phone, backed up to the entrance loading up all the things I had just donated. There is no system to check to see if people are truly in need or just scammers. No reason not to scam then, if you have no moral compass.
Let me say for the record that yes, it's certainly possible someone driving a big SUV may be the only income-generating person in a huge extended household where their money just doesn't stretch as far as it needs to. Totally could happen, but 'splain to me the jewelry, iphones, bags, shoes, etc.
I agree that KP was a bit rude about it, but sounds like he/she (?) has seen a lot of the same abuses that I have. Luckily, these particular needs were met this year in Juneau and the giving will continue, hopefully going directly to those who are hurting the most. Amen.
kpawsuh - back at 'cha
You clearly have been on the front lines as well, which I greatly respect, many go through life without realizing how good we have it here.
I struggled for a while with my charitable giving in Honduras, often it is difficult to understand the choices other people make, even here, let alone in an entirely different culture.
I came to the conclusion that if I was going to do something, I needed to first be sure what I was doing was going exactly where I intended, (I pay a school for a couple of girls' tuition, I don't give the money to the family, for example) and second, once something is given (cash, clothing, tuition, etc.) I needed to let it go - what the other person chooses to do with that gift is on them (one girl passed and will graduate, the other is going to fail out of school, missing a golden opportunity to better her life). And I have to continue to believe that at least 50% of whatever assistance is given does make a difference.
Respectfully - happy turkey day.
This story does repeat every
This story does repeat every year. My spouse waits for it to find out what they need and gets that. I like to just give cash-I know that is easier to work with. The spouse likes to get actual items and deliver it saving them the trip. One year they did not have any cranberry sauce…so it was gobs of cans of cranberry sauce. This year it was turkeys. So while this call goes out every year, we expect it and wait for it to know exactly what they need. I am glad they know they can count on the town to pony up for those that are less well off.
As to the food bank and fancy cars? Maybe the person in the big shiny SUV is taking food to people who do not have a car? The food bank is not right on the bus line… However, I have always gotten a weird vibe from it as well. Personally I give cash to the orgs I know use it for what they need...the Glory Hole, AWARE, and occasionally St. Vincent. . The SE AK Food Bank is one that has never made my list because of that vibe.
If I had time to check into them more, I am sure that that vibe would be corrected, but I don’t have that kind of time…so cash it is to places I know are always in need. This year it has been people displaced by fire. Spouse will be doing the normal GH food drop.
"Ignore User
Let's all do ourselves a favor and click the "Ignore User" link for kpawsuh. Who needs all that negativity? Happy Thanksgiving Juneau! May we ALL have a Happy Holiday Season!
Wow, LH...
how about I just call you "Lib" for short? :) While you are obnoxiously and pointlessly aggressive in this forum, you do make some good points.
If you give it, they will come. Who said, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; if you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." It's true. We as a nation and as a community are doing nothing good for people in need when we repeatedly just hand things over with out teaching or sharing or instructing in self-sufficiency. I know sometimes there are pressing, immediate needs that have to be met - warm, appropriate clothing; healthy food, especially for children; personal, physical safety; shelter when there is none - but after that, the hand outs should cease since they are hindering rather than helping.
In all honesty, the folks who need it the most are not standing in line holding our their hands... we need to go find them and convince them it's okay to take some help every once in a while.
Hey guys
Ease off of KP a little bit. Yeah, he was a bit heavy-handed on this topic, but he's been one of the more rational commenters on this board, and willing to defend his positions, whether you agree or not.
I mean, compare KP's comments with Hater's above. They're in different universes.
A lot of truth
There is a lot of truth in what one poster here is trying to say. It is immensely frustrating for those who manage relief and charitable efforts to see the abuse by those who are totally selfish. Any challenge or attempt at dialogue on this "dirty little secret" is almost always met with cries of racism, uncaring for those in need, and a host of other attacks. Nothing ever changes, it's politically incorrect to make allegations, and the pattern repeats itself. The level of fraud, misuse, and self-righteous entitlement is truly astounding. It's is good that there those truly in need who get help, but deeply saddening to know that so many who are giving and trying to help are being laughed at and taken for granted by those who abuse the situation. I have seen it and seen it and seen it.
This topic...
...would be a great opportunity for some investigative journalism by our intrepid newspaper. A well documented expose' piece, including photos and names, would be worth paying for. And it would be a benefit to the community.
Concerns
After reading the article and the comments that followed, a few things are very apparent
A) we live in a very caring and a very generous community
B) some people have WAY too much time to keep commenting on here
C). There is obviously a lot of misinformation out there about which organizations do what. For example, I saw the Glory Hole and SE AK Food Bank singled out. What firsthand knowledge do any of you have about the organizations that you're choosing to bash? Have you ever actually been there and volunteered, or you just basing your knowledge on what a friend of a friend told another friend? I would urge you to get some firsthand knowledge of these places before you openly criticize them.
D) it's great that everyone has rallied to make sure that there's seemingly enough food to feed everyone on Thansgiving, but we need to remember that hunger knows no season, and that there are 365 days in the year.
Just some food for thought. Thank you.
LibHater
I take offense at "Move to Lemon Creek or some other crappy area"
I live in the Lemon Creek area and it's not any crappier than any other place in Juneau.
It's interesting how some
It's interesting how some people use the holidays to promote worthy social causes, whereas others use them as a soapbox to spew their self-righteous (and largely ignorant) drivel.
It seems to me that some people are projecting their own feelings of entitlement on the segment of society least able to defend itself. How very brave.
Libhater,
few things:
1) Nothing is as simple as you make it out to be.
2) Go get a decent education if you would like to discuss the topics you have brought up.
3) Take the "exclamation mark" key and remove it from your keyboard.
Acknowledge these three simple things and good things will happen. Good things.
Happy Turkey Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a little late but my 2cents...
Wait a minute not that I am one to defend KP but I also know people who use the free services that don't need it. I know for fact they don't need it. Not a guess or assumption.
And call me cold hearted too but it's like giving change to the street beggers down south after watching news stories about how many beg for drug money.
When you know people who use the glory hole not because they have no income but because they choose to spend all that income on booze. Or you know people who have high finances and nice homes, etc but use the food bank because it's free. It makes it difficult to donate.
I think even the most skeptic of us have the desire to help but I for one want to know my help is going to people who actually need it. To families and individuals who are trying but just can't make the money they get spread as far as it needs to.
And no I do not have a solution, no way to weed out the dishonest from the truly in need. I just do my best to do my part and hope Karma is doing her job. But I do understand why people hesitate to help the groups in town when we know people abuse them. If I can barely at times take care of my family (including older kids & my mom) than I surely want to know when I help others it's going to someone who needs it not someone who is trying trying to pad their bank account by getting free food. you want free food go do the extreme couponing thing instead of taking from people who really need help.
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!!
that is so not true
I work fulltime and have cancer I been doing chemo since Feb and I make way under $60000 a year and I dont qualify for anything because all these agencies go by what your income is
Kpawsuh 4519 points
First post and six thumbs down?
Kpawsuh, are you the one that paid for all her turkeys, you big hairy turkey in disguise? (Because every time I see that woman in person I blow a burst of air out my left (or right) nostril (whichever nostril is furthest away so I don't hit her with anything).)
Kpawsuh, your perspective should never be discounted or ignored.
Please, all of you really need to read through the different perspectives then be as thankful as me. Every smile counts and every donation is appreciated these days. Why? Because what most don't see are the many people honestly attempting to recover from a very negative balance in the red without filing bankruptsy to success and helping others.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!