Valley Thanksgiving Blessing returns to the Mat-Su

For the second year, Food Bank of Alaska is working with churches in the Valley to provide Thanksgiving groceries to families at Valley Thanksgiving Blessing. This food distribution will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. at four locations in the Mat-Su. The locations are Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla, Willow United Methodist Church, Fellowship Lutheran Church in Trapper Creek and the Upper Susitna Senior Center in Talkeetna.

“The first Valley Thanksgiving Blessing in 2010 was wildly successful,” said Food Bank of Alaska Executive Director Susannah Morgan. “We are delighted to again offer support to Valley families who need help providing a meal this Thanksgiving.”

Valley Thanksgiving Blessing is a public event where families in need receive a turkey and all the trimmings for a Thanksgiving meal through a partnership between Food Bank of Alaska and the faith community. The collaboration expects to serve nearly 2,000 families this year.

Food Bank of Alaska believes no one deserves to be hungry and is dedicated to eliminating hunger in Alaska by obtaining and distributing food to partner agencies. FBA collects edible but food that can’t be sold from local manufacturers, food processors, retailers, farmers and fishermen. In fiscal year 2011, FBA distributed 6.6 million pounds of food, a record for the organization, through more than 300 partner agencies across the state.

BLESSING WISH LIST

• Aluminum roasting pans

• Canned sweet potatoes or yams

• Canned vegetables

• Cranberry sauce

• Dinner rolls (packs of 12)

• Gravy mix

• Pies

• Butter/margarine

• Stuffing mix

People can also donate funds: $10 will buy a turkey; $40 will buy a complete Thanksgiving dinner. Volunteers are also needed to help set-up and distribute on Nov. 19.

For more information, to donate or volunteer, contact:

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 Bogard Road, Wasilla, 376-3522.

• Willow United Methodist Church, Mile 67.5 Parks Highway, Willow, 495-6638.

• Fellowship Lutheran Church, Mile 1.1 Peterville Road, Trapper Creek, 733-2710.

• Upper Susitna Senior Center, 16463 E. Helena St., Mile 98.5 Parks Highway, Talkeetna, 733-2710.