Hope extends its hands

Resslin' Around, by Casey Ressler

While need definitely knows no season, as The Salvation Army motto attests, needs are more readily identified during the holidays. The Frontiersman's "Hope's Helping Hand" program is once again trying to help fill needs in the community.

The year-round program has been very successful in helping families get through medical emergencies, through tough living situations and through disasters such as house fires. Through donations of clothing, toys, household goods and even cash, the program has made a positive difference in the community.

People submit the names of friends or family they know are battling a tough situation. After a screening process, families are offered help through the program. Help may come in the form of something as simple as winter boots and winter clothing for kids, or it may mean helping them reestablish their entire living situation following a disaster.

One Wasilla-area family is in need of help this holiday season. The wife was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her husband commutes to work in Anchorage by bus every day, often being away from home from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. He has installed the water lines for plumbing and running water, and gas lines for heating and the stove.

He has also improved the family's kitchen.

He needs help bringing the gas line into the house, and needs a heater and a stove, as well as someone to help him finish the drywall for the ceiling and walls. The family also needs a kitchen table, which could possibly be a large desk. The family could use assistance in organizing their paperwork.

If you can help this family -- or any family in need -- please contact the Frontiersman at 352-2250. Donations can be dropped off at the Frontiersman's office, located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from Hyer Road.

The families, as well as the Frontiersman, thank you.