During Alaskan winters, we often find ourselves considering how we can show gratitude and offer support to others. Our opportunities abound. Sometimes help is as simple as smiling while holding a door open for a person who’s pushing a cart of groceries. Other times, we have more to give, like being able to:

• Volunteer at soup kitchens.
• Donate gifts to people in need.
• Make financial contributions to nonprofits, like United Way of Anchorage.

These actions help us feel connected to others and make our community better.

The diversity of our community means there are people struggling alongside people thriving. Most of us land somewhere in the middle of that spectrum on any given day. We each have family and friends who care about us as we face the challenges our lives may bring. No matter where you land on that continuum, we hope you remember that you have valuable things to offer and that you deserve meaningful assistance.

Even while receiving, we can share. Even while sharing, we can receive.

Throughout 2023—and as long as United Way’s had a presence in Anchorage—we’ve been listening. We’ve seen the tired. We’ve heard the concerned. We’ve been reminded that many factors contribute to—and all-too-often detract from—our community’s well-being and opportunities to thrive.

Roz, a woman whose story we recently shared on our blog, has experienced both successes and setbacks…perhaps, a lot like you. Our successes and setbacks never tell the whole story. None of us can fix the challenges that surround us alone—be they a lack of childcare, job access, behavioral and mental health services or any manner of obstacles. Here’s how Roz puts it:

…I constantly feel like giving up. My bills don’t stop, and I’ve literally been depending on people close to me to help me get by. I still need to provide for my family, and so I work jobs with night shifts. I’m tired.

We want people who are doing their best to tackle their responsibilities to breathe a little deeper and walk a little taller as 2024 approaches. We want to help you feel connected—both by feeling empowered to receive and give help. Please let us know what you need. Call Alaska 211 for information about vital resources. Volunteer at BeTheChange907.org. Donate on our ePledge webpage.

We also want to acknowledge United Way’s supporters who are making a difference in our work and our community by contributing, and we’re moved by your generosity. Thank you! Just know…

Wherever you are, United Way is there for you.