{"id":1013,"date":"2020-11-16T10:00:30","date_gmt":"2020-11-16T19:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alaskahomesbybrooke.com\/?p=1013"},"modified":"2021-02-09T12:28:05","modified_gmt":"2021-02-09T21:28:05","slug":"a-time-of-gratitude-thankful-for-our-blessings-and-giving-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alaskahomesbybrooke.com\/2020\/11\/16\/a-time-of-gratitude-thankful-for-our-blessings-and-giving-back\/","title":{"rendered":"A Time of Gratitude \u2013 Thankful for our Blessings and Giving Back"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve compiled a few ways that you can give back this year locally.<\/p>\n

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    Food Donation and Volunteer Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    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\u2019t create more of and we can\u2019t get back. Donating your time to a charity, soup kitchen, or fundraiser is a gift that will always be cherished.<\/p>\n

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      Give Back to Local Business<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      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!<\/p>\n

      In our area we have various events where you can shop a few of the local businesses:<\/p>\n