A Time of Gratitude – Thankful for our Blessings and Giving Back
As we enter into the holiday season and approach Thanksgiving many of us may think back on this year so far and shake our heads in confusion. 2020 has been full of surprises and unexpected obstacles which have created a new normal for us all. Despite it all we have shown our true resilience and continued desire to be grateful and find the positive blessings that we have received, as well as the increased desire to give back to our community and be there for loved ones.
As you ponder the many positive things this year has brought you, it will help to increase your happiness and ability to stay in the present. Reflecting on things we are grateful for can inspire and motivate us to want to help others and allow them to have the same positive spirit. Here in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley we are true to our Alaskan roots and desire to care for our neighbors. We’ve compiled a few ways that you can give back this year locally.
Food Donation and Volunteer Work
Many people have been affected this year by loss of income and have had a hard time affording food. There are programs such as Food Bank of Alaska that allow you to donate either your time or your food via their service. Food Bank of Alaska uses its warehouse to send out trucks to grocery stores, wholesalers, producers, farmers, and the fishing business. At these locations they collect extra food that would otherwise be wasted. They also are able to collect from community members, such as you. They donate this food to pantries and meal programs in the Mat -Su and greater Anchorage area to feed children, families, and seniors in their neighborhoods.
This is something small that you can do to give back out of your surplus and pay forward the grateful feelings that you yourself feel.
You can also give your most valuable resource – your time. People often think your most valuable resource is money, but time is something that we can’t create more of and we can’t get back. Donating your time to a charity, soup kitchen, or fundraiser is a gift that will always be cherished.
Give Back to Local Business
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. They help encourage locally sourced items and creative crafts. Supporting small business helps to care for our local families and communities. You can help by shopping local, either online or in person, and choosing local retailers over online retailers. Giving back gives you the attitude of gratitude!
In our area we have various events where you can shop a few of the local businesses:
- Mat-Su Holiday Marketplace – If you’re looking to shop local the Mat-Su Holiday Marketplace is the perfect spot! You can shop this event in person, with increased safety guidelines, or virtually. The holiday marketplace provides a one stop holiday shopping extravaganza for Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley. If you bring 2 cans of food you can enter for free.
- The O’Malley Castle Market – This fun arts and crafts bizarre is open most Saturday’s this season and provides you with local arts and crafts that you can purchase for yourself or others. You can also explore the castle with your family!
Show your Gratitude to Others
There are many simple ways we can show gratitude to others. The simplest way is of course to genuinely say “Thank You” and verbally express your appreciation. And don’t forget about our Veterans. Some other simple, yet effective ways are via:
- Handwritten Thank You notes – Taking the time to personalize and handwrite a letter is almost unheard of these days. People genuinely appreciate the effort.
- Sharing Baked Goods – Baking and sending warm delicious pies or other baked goods to others shows them that you value them, because you used your time and resources to make them something special
There are many ways that we can reflect on the things that we are grateful for this past year. By choosing to look at the positive and giving back we will continue to grow and move forward as healthier, positive people. One thing that we are so grateful for is that we are able to live in beautiful Alaska and work with such wonderful and thoughtful people, such as you. How are you giving back this year? What stokes your gratitude? What are you thankful for? We would love to hear.
