Cutter Liberty crew to begin Southeast Alaska blanket, food and coat drive
Throughout November, the crew aboard cutter Liberty will conduct a food, coat and blanket drive to benefit families in Southeast Alaska communities.
Donation boxes will be placed at several local businesses. Any blankets, coats or non-perishable food items will be gratefully accepted.
In the weeks before Christmas, the Liberty crew, with the help of Santa Clause, will deliver the items to Pelican, Hoonah, Angoon, Haines and Skagway. These communities identified more than 80 families in need of assistance, including more than 90 children.
Half of these children are between 3 years of age or younger, so infant and toddler items are particularly useful. This drive has been extremely successful in the past.
"Thanks to the generous donations by Juneau citizens, Liberty's crew delivered more than 10,000 pounds of food and more than 500 blankets to needy families each year," said Lt. j.g Rebecca Chambers, Liberty's executive officer.
"If you would like to make a donation, boxes are located in the following places: Carr's, A&P supermarket, Fred Meyer (Friday-Sunday), Super Bear, Kmart (near the customer service desk), Mendenhall Mall Gottschalk's entrance, and in the lobby of the Federal Building downtown," said Chambers.
Additionally, donations will be accepted at the Liberty shore office, located at Auke Bay Harbor, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. while the cutter is in port.
"The Liberty crew wishes to thank participating businesses, especially Taku Smokeries, for generously donating the large plastic totes used to collect donations," Chambers said.