Friendship Dinner shows Valley generosity, hidden need

Frontiersman editorial board

There is good news and bad news in the fact that more than 700 meals were served free Christmas Day during Wasilla's 12th annual Friendship Dinner.

Of course, it's wonderful that those who might not have gotten a special feast otherwise were treated to turkey and all the trimmings at Wasilla High School. It is evidence of Valley residents' sense of giving -- whether of time or food.

Friendship Committee chairman Bob Bowers, who owns Country Kitchen, helped start the event with the Lions Club back when it was held at the Wasilla Senior Center. It soon grew beyond that facility's capability to accommodate everyone. So, too, have grown the number of volunteers who happily pitch in to make it a success.

The committee emphasizes that the dinner isn't a charity event. In fact, anyone in the community is welcomed to stop by and enjoy warm food and warm feelings. "This isn't just a soup kitchen," committee chairwoman Elsie O'Bryan told Frontiersman reporter Jen Ransom at this year's event.

Still, the truth is that some people wouldn't have a similar Christmas dinner without this community project. Alaska, including the Valley, has an unemployment rate significantly higher than the national average. The state mark moved up five-tenths of a percentage point in November to 7.3 percent. In the Mat-Su Borough, unemployment jumped from 7 percent to 7.8 percent. The national rate stayed steady at 5.6 percent in November.

Granted, local employment traditionally lags during winter months. But that doesn't make it any easier to fill the kitchen cupboards during the period when work is scarce. The Valley is not unacquainted with poverty, although many residents hate the idea of asking for handouts.

One of the volunteers at this year's Christmas Dinner, a professional woman whose career puts her in contact with a cross-section of local residents, says she believes there is more hunger in the Mat-Su than most people believe. The woman says she has seen resignation bordering on hurt in the eyes of some men as they bring their family to the meal. Still, they're appreciative.

The dinner is the type of gift that shows Valley residents really do care about others. Congratulations and thanks to all who make it a success.