Mat-Su offers options for families in need this Thanksgiving

While there may be an end to the federal shutdown on the horizon, the need for many in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is still real, as furloughed employees continue working without pay and 11% of the residents utilize SNAP for food assistance.

As Thanksgiving nears, there are several local organizations and non-profits are making preparations to help out people needing a little help or a warm meal. Here are just a few:

First up, there are several areas throughout the Mat-Su that will be distributing Thanksgiving Blessing (groceries). The Food Bank of Alaska's "Thanksgiving Blessing" is an annual event providing free Thanksgiving meals for families in need in the Mat-Su and Anchorage areas. For Wasilla, locations are often set up through partners like the Wasilla Bible Church and distribution sites.

This year, the main Thanksgiving walk-through distributions for the Valley will be Tuesday, November 18 at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake, Real Life Church on Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla Bible Church. In Talkeetna, there will be a drive-through distribution at the Church on the Rock on the Parks Highway. People must bring proof of zip code and are only eligible to attend 1 site. Families will receive one frozen turkey (including turkey pan and gravy), as well as all the fixings-stuffing, corn, green beans, potatoes, apples, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and margarine.

Distribution runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or until they run out of food. For more information, please visit www.foodbankofalaska.org/blessing or their Facebook page.

Frontline Mission will be hosting a “Giving From the Heart” Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Menard Center. “Don’t stay home alone this Thanksgiving. Let us be part of your family.” All are welcomed to attend, and those wishing to volunteer, please visit www.wlflm.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=105649

If any were missed any additional Thanksgiving Blessings or Dinners, please contact the Frontiersman. We will update the list as information comes in.