Gifts for the gallant

WASILLA — When Santa reviews his lists of who’s been naughty or nice, one group leaps to the top of the “nice” list — U.S. servicemen and women away from their families over the holidays serving their country.

A local group is making sure area soldiers abroad this Christmas season won’t have a bah, humbug holiday. Organized by the Alaska Veterans Foundation, 40 volunteers and foundation employees gathered at the Mat-Su Boys and Girls Club this past weekend to prepare 700 packages for Boxes for Heroes, a program that sends gift packages to Alaska soldiers deployed from Fort Richardson.

“It’s hard enough being over there, let alone over the holidays,” said Frank Roach, director of fundraising for the foundation. “We just want to make our soldiers happy and give them some comforts of home.”

This year, boxes include an array of gifts, some representing a little piece of home, like Alaska smoked salmon. Along with tasty treats, other items like baby powder and wet wipes might help make those living in desert conditions a little more comfortable.

In its second year of operation, Boxes for Heroes is experiencing an upswing of success, Roach said. Last year, the gift drive packed 800 boxes shipped to soldiers. This year, the program has acquired enough products to fill 700 boxes so far, but it doesn’t stop there. The goal is to send 1,000 boxes.

Roach said the success of the program can be attributed to a few vital factors — awareness of the program, its credibility and, most importantly, the willingness of people to dedicate time and money to a good cause.

“It’s amazing the support we have in the Valley,” he said.

Contributions for Boxes for Heroes come from a variety sources, including 175 local businesses, Roach said. While financial contributions vary, about $15,000 was raised overall during this portion of the Boxes for Heroes program. Along with financial contributions provided by businesses, many residents donated products and time to the effort.

Susan Meier is one of the 40 volunteers that make the program possible.

“I respect all the soldiers in the military and what they do, so I just wanted to help give them some hope,” Meier said.

She has given many hours to a number of volunteer tasks, she said. Not only does she help to pack boxes full of presents, Meier also spent two days at local donation centers collecting gifts from generous residents. In two days of collection at Three Bears, residents donated enough gifts to fill 15 shopping carts.

Meier stored all those gifts at her house, filling all her corners, closets, bedrooms and storage sheds until she transported five truckloads to the Boys and Girls Club for packaging day.

“I’m going to feel like I have a bigger house now that it’s all gone,” she said.

Seth Kelley, community outreach director at the Boys and Girl Club, said he was happy to donate the space for the packing party. Not only did it give him a chance to become involved with Boxes for Heroes, it also provided a great opportunity for the area’s youth to participate in a valuable community service.

“I think it’s important for kids to give back to the community,” Kelley said.

Curtis Parker, 18, joined the volunteer effort to support his friends serving in the military. “I want to help out as much as I can. I really feel for the soldiers.”

Although the initial stages of the holiday Boxes for Heroes have been successful, Roach said work is far from being complete. In addition to the holiday edition of the Boxes for Heroes, the Alaska Veterans Foundation also organizes a similar program in the spring and fall.

Donations can be made by contacting the Alaska Veterans Foundation Valley office at 745-3328.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.