On Saturday, Feb. 15, Walk for Warmth brought together 113 people to turn up the heat on cold homes. Attendees gathered to support Anchorage households that struggle to pay their heating bills. We met that morning to receive their United Way of Anchorage beanies, select pre-printed posters or design their own, enjoy light snacks and mingle before beginning their walk from Anchorage First Presbyterian Church through the streets of downtown Anchorage to the Alaska Performing Arts Center.
Spreading warmth was the day’s theme.
Warm smiles and rosy cheeks showed welcome. Volunteered time and earnest listening demonstrated care. Warm coats and toasty boots offered protection. Generous gifts to the Walk for Warmth fund created a safety net for vulnerable community members. Attendees’ expressions, actions and even attire exemplified how we can all offer others support. Welcome. Care. Protect. Give. Watch coverage of Walk for Warmth.
How does this support transform into real impacts for community members? Alaska 211 has an answer to this question. It tracks data to learn what people need. In a 12-month period, there were 3,006 requests for utility assistance in the Anchorage area. Thanks to the Walk for Warmth fund, we can help some Anchorage residents with their heating bills. Dial 2-1-1 if you’re in need of support.
This year, we set a goal to raise $20,000 to cover one month of past-due heating bills for as many Anchorage-area households as possible. Walk for Warmth supporters crushed our goal, raising $27,660 as of Feb. 17. They included:
- ENSTAR – $10,000
- 49 United Way donors – $7,660
- First National Bank Alaska – $5,000
- Global Credit Union – $5,000
All funds raised will be used to pay around 130 heating bills in the Anchorage area. With more donations come more warm homes. As they roll into the Walk for Warmth fund, other households can receive assistance.
If you’re inspired to spread warmth in our community, we have options for you.
- Donate funds to Walk for Warmth until March 15, 2025.
- Pledge to support our Community Campaign.
- Volunteer by emailing our Volunteer Engagement and Events Coordinator.
- Make in-kind donations of winter gear, blankets, etc.
For in-kind donations, consider Catholic Social Services – Alaska, Covenant House Alaska and Volunteers of America Alaska. Their webpages provide you with information on what to bring and how to drop off the items.
Working together, we’re helping community members overcome hardships by supporting Walk for Warmth. More Alaskans can keep their heat on and their spirits up. No longer will they go home to a cold house and edge toward other vulnerabilities.
Thank you to our 138 Walk for Warmth supporters—be they attendees, donors or both!
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