Mat-Su community proves it takes care of its own

March 20, 2005

Frontiersman editorial board

The Mat-Su community has proven, once again, what a great place this is to work, live and play.

Two families recently lost everything they own to devastating house fires; the Edwards family of Big Lake lost their newly built home in late February and the Smith family, who reside in the Wasilla-area, lost the home they were constructing last week, displacing the family of nine.

It took little time for the community to kick into action and help the two families begin to rebuild their homes and their lives. Individuals, organizations and businesses set about the task of gathering money, building materials and everyday necessities to bring some normalcy back to the displaced families.

The Red Cross assisted both families with temporary housing, cash and personal items immediately after the fire, but as word spread, the families began collecting donations from a very generous, giving community.

So often the news that makes headlines these days is not generally considered good news. Crime, government and the latest squabble over growth issues usually dominate the news hole, and it's uplifting to find and report on stories like these that showcase the Valley at its best.

Our hats go off to The Home Depot, Spenard Builders Supply, Arctic Builders Source, R & R, Merit Homes, Tom Hopkins Tile, Petersen Group, Creative Cabinetry, K & W Interiors, Builders Millwork Supply, One of a Kind Design, and Allen and Petersen, for being such outstanding partners in the community and proving that businesses have a heart.

We also salute the numerous volunteers from the Valley's extensive construction community, who have generously given of their time and expertise to help their friends and neighbors.

They say the heart of a community is revealed in how it reacts during times of crisis.

The Mat-Su community has consistently proven it has a generous and caring heart when someone is in need.

From the Good Friday earthquake and the Miller's Reach Fire to individual losses like the Smiths' and Edwards', you have demonstrated that we do, indeed, take care of our own.