Family needs help after house fire

There are several Valley people who could use Hope's Helping Hands this holiday season, for a number of reasons.

Last Tuesday morning, George and Denise Anderson lost everything they owned when their house went up in flames. The fire began in a shed behind the house and quickly spread to the dwelling before the fire department could get there.

The Andersons' son, Shane, was at home getting ready for school with a friend when he noticed the flames. The two boys woke everyone up and helped get everyone out safely, but still, the house was a total loss.

The Red Cross has put the family up at Valley Hotel for three days. Denise works at Valley Hotel, and the hotel owner has offered some help as well.

Friends of the Andersons are hoping the community can chip in and help them this Christmas. Last week, the Andersons didn't need help at all. This week, their entire lives have changed.

Another person who could use a little help this Christmas is Ruth Carmona. She is a single mother who has had her hours cut recently. She is looking for only one thing - some food.

"It's getting pretty bare in the cupboards," Carmona said. "My hours have been cut back and it's a little tough right now for me and my daughter."

Her daughter is 15, and she is hoping to give her a good Christmas, despite the hardships.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed that someone can help out this Christmas," Carmona said.

A third person who could use some help is Gerald Poirier, a handicapped senior citizen who raises bunnies to sell as pets.

In August, a bear killed his rabbits and destroyed the cages. Now, he is looking for some help in repairing the cages.

"I'm trying to build a shed so the foxes, eagles and owls can't get to them," Poirier said. "It's 14 feet by 28 feet."

Those interested in helping Poirier can reach him at 745-2462.

If you know of someone who could use a helping hand, please fax the information to the Frontiersman at 352-2277, send e-mail to publish@alaska.net or mail information to the Frontiersman, 5751 E. Mayflower Ct., Wasilla, AK, 99654. "Hope's Helping Hand" is a recently launched community outreach program sponsored by the Frontiersman. Please provide your name and telephone number (or address/e-mail address), the name of the person or people you are referring, contact information for them and a list of items or services you believe these people need.