Help is just around the corner for the holidays

A local religious organization is getting ready for its annual Thanksgiving feast, and the group is looking for volunteers to help spread good throughout the community during the holiday season.

Crusaders of Christ Circle of Light Mission is gearing up for its annual Thanksgiving event.

Organizers said that the program helps financially distressed families enjoy Thanksgiving by giving them a meal to prepare for their families.

"It's a good program that helps a lot of people enjoy the season," Alan Branson said.

Anybody who needs assistance and lives within the Mat-Su Valley are eligible for the program, and Branson, one of the event organizers, said people should not hesitate to give him a call and ask for help.

Interested people should contact Branson or Reina Matson at 357-6538 for more information.

Crusaders of Christ can also prepare turkey and trimmings for people who don't have access to cooking facilities. But people need to act soon, because demand is high and resources are limited.

Crusaders of Christ is also looking for volunteers to help assist in the preparation and delivery of meals. Volunteers will help in all phases of the Thanksgiving feast, from gathering the food to delivering it.

Branson said interested people can write to the organization at P.O. Box 876372 or e-mail them at mission@mtaonline.net.

Many local churches and nonprofit agencies help the community during the holiday season by providing warm meals.

Watch the Religion page in upcoming weeks to see how you can help in local churches during the holiday season.

Salvation Army assitance program applications accepted

The Salvation Army is also accepting applications for those in need. The Salvation Army is taking applications for their holiday assistance programs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Nov. 8.

People must apply in person at the Salvation Army, located at 209 W. Evergreen Street in Palmer.

All applicants must bring a picture identification, a proof of number of household residents, and a proof of income, such as a Quest card or a pay stub.

For more information, interested people can contact the Salvation Army at 745-7079.