Alaska News

Here are some ways to help communities ravaged by storms in Western Alaska

There are a number of ways Alaskans can support Western Alaska communities as they recover from widespread damage in the wake of Typhoon Merbok.

Longstanding charity organizations like the American Red Cross of Alaska and the Salvation Army’s Alaska Division are both responding and accepting donations.

The Alaska Community Foundation has established the Western Alaska Disaster Recovery Fund, which will direct 100% of donations to relief efforts, according to ACF.

A number of major donors have also contributed to the fund. Contributors who have donated $25,000 to the fund include the Rasmuson Foundation, Wells Fargo, Alaska Airlines and Saltchuk Family of Companies, a Seattle-based travel and shipping group.

[‘Some of them just disappeared’: Essential pieces of life in Nome were lost in the storm]

The Alaska Native Heritage Center hosted a fundraiser Wednesday that donated proceeds to the fund.

In addition, ANHC will be open through the end of the month as a donation collection site.

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Organizers say communities affected are asking for canned goods, kids clothing, adult clothing and especially winter gear like gloves, hats, scarves, boots and jackets.

“We are calling onto our community, the Alaska delegation, community and Tribal leaders, community doers and advocates, aunties, uncles, cousins, and more to come together to fundraise and support our relatives,” Emily Edenshaw, president and CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, said in a statement. “Time is of the essence as freeze-up is right around the corner.”

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration for the storm Saturday and requested a federal disaster declaration Tuesday.

[Dunleavy requests federal disaster declaration for Western Alaska as reports of storm damage accumulate]

The World Central Kitchen has also sent supplies to the area, including to Golovin and Unalakleet. The group, founded by chef José Andrés, also accepts donations.

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