More opportunities to get some Christmas spirit this week

December 11, 2005

Kari-Out\Kari Sleight

Help make this Christmas a bit brighter for a Mat-Su child. Cris Skinner from Kelstar Alaska Mortgage Company has issued a challenge to the community to &#8220Fill the Hummer” with toys, a benefit drive for Toys for Tots. All toys collected through the campaign will go to local children who otherwise may not have a gift to open this Christmas morning. Skinner's event will be held this Saturday, noon until 4 p.m., in the Wasilla Fred Meyer parking lot.

The Mat-Su Valley added yet another business this past week, as Brown Jug Warehouse officially opened. Wasilla Mayor Dianne M. Keller was on hand to cut the ribbon for the new business last Wednesday. Brown Jug Warehouse has a rich history of community service through underage drinking prevention and promotion of responsible drinking. Welcome to the Valley!

Former Harlem Globetrotter Curly Neal will bring his Comedy All-Stars to face off against the local Valley All-Star basketball team on Tuesday. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. at the Wasilla High School gym. Tickets are available at Vagabond Blues and Fireside Books in Palmer, and at Kaladi Brothers Coffee and Valley Mac Store & iCafe in Wasilla. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Palmer Volunteer Fire Association and the Mat-Su Boys & Girls Club.

Now in its ninth year, the Special Santa program is putting the final preparations together to make sure no Mat-Su boy or girl goes without at Christmas. Mari Jo Parks and her army of elves work tirelessly this time of year to bring the magic of Christmas home to those less fortunate. There are still many needs left to fill, and an extra helping hand is always appreciated. Call 761-3770 to volunteer or donate to this exceptional local program.

Don't miss your chance to win a $500 shopping spree, or one of the weekly $100 prizes from Valley businesses in the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman's annual Holiday Shopping Spree event. Complete details and entry forms are printed in every edition of the newspaper through Dec. 18.

This holiday season, please remember to &#8220Shop the Valley” and do your part in keeping our local economy a healthy one.

Kari Sleight is the publisher of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. Contact her

at 352-2255 or kari.sleight@ frontiersman.com.