Contributed by Justin Giles
Alaska is nationally known for quite a few things, many of them bad. Crime, unemployment, and crooked politicians seem to dominate the dreary local news cycle. One local event, however, shines as an example of good to the rest of the state, and even the nation.
The Wasilla Christmas Friendship Dinner is a tradition that was started by Bob and Judy Bowers and a few close friends nearly 30 years ago. It has steadily grown into, we believe, the largest event of it's kind in the United States! About 600 volunteers prepare around 800 pounds of ham, 150 turkeys, hundreds of pies and enough fixings to serve over 5,000 meals. A fleet of buses picks up people in need of rides and brings them to the Menard Center. Hundreds of meals and gifts and more importantly visitors are delivered to the lonely home bound. The logistics of this completely volunteer-run event are massive. Organizational meetings begin in February. Hundreds of volunteers donate their whole Christmas day to make this happen. Many donate dozens of hours helping prepare and clean up. Some like Bob and Judy Bowers donate many hundreds of hours throughout the year.
Our final preparatory push this season involves securing additional turkeys and all ages gift bag items such as socks, hats, and gloves along with small entertainment items including coloring books and crossword puzzles. If you're able and willing to donate to this great cause please drop off items at Matsu Line-X on the Palmer Wasilla Highway just on the Palmer side of Trunk.
Our biggest need, however, is YOU! That's right, the kindness and friendship so many of us take for granted is lacking in the lives of so many. Come make a friend, be a friend, and be a part of one the the nation's greatest community events!
When: December 25th from 11am-3pm.
Where: Menard Sports Center, Wasilla.
What: Community party, free meal, music and brotherly love.
The Christmas Friendship Dinner is the feel-good event of the year here in the MatSu. The event is far more than just the sum of it's considerable parts. Jesus taught to give to the poor, visit the lonely and love one another. You can do all three every Christmas at the Menard, and help shine a little light into a dark world.. For more information find Christmas Friendship Dinner on Facebook or call (907)354-6115.
