Frontline Mission’s Radiothon brings hope to local families

WASILLA — Frontline Mission is holding its fourth annual Bringing Hope Radiothon event Friday at Kendall Ford from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s a fundraising event to support families in need across the Mat-Su Valley, providing meals and assistance to the less fortunate, according to organizers. To participate, tune in to Classic Country 100.9 FM and call 907-376-GIVE (4483) to sponsor a meal for $3.98 or become a “Legendary Partner” for $15 a month.

According to an estimate from feedingamerica.org, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has about 12,250 food insecure people — a rate of 12.7 percent of the overall population.

There will be a variety of guests on air speaking about the needs and stories surrounding the food crisis in the Mat-Su. Frontline Mission volunteers, business owners, residents, doctors, and local political representatives including Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, Mike Dunleavy and Cathy Tilton will speak and relate their experiences and solutions for getting less fortunate Valley residents back on their feet.

According to program coordinator Nenette Rogers, after four years, their mission is gaining traction. She said the word is getting out and she is seeing the positive results. Rogers said that over the summer, Frontline Mission served an average 250 meals a week. Now that school is back in session, they serve about 300 meals a week.

“Sometimes we just need a helping hand. Frontline Mission helps people get back on their feet and we’re seeing that happen,” Rogers said.

Rogers said she has seen the community unite, rally, divide and conquer hunger across the map, time and time again. She’s seen a surge of outreach and compassion of neighbors helping neighbors.

“The community has really joined together to help each other out. That’s what we do in the Mat-Su Valley,” Rogers said.

According to Frontline Missions’s page, their goal is to “strengthen the Mat-Su Valley area by being a connecting place between the less fortunate and compassionate as we unconditionally accept, holistically assist, and passionately advocate for our community neighbors who endure the causes and effects of poverty.”

For more information, call 907-357-8600.

Contact reporter Jacob Mann at 907-715-8717 or jacob.mann@frontiersman.com