Anchorage

Thanksgiving gifts delivered in a tough pandemic year

Employees of the Malaspina and Glacier Terrace mobile home parks in East Anchorage visited residents to give away hams and turkeys for Thanksgiving on Tuesday. Office manager Kasey Esguerra, security worker Andy Morckel and facility supervisor Marcus Sims pitched in to distribute them to several dozen households of the neighborhoods near DeBarr Road and Bragaw Street on Monday and Tuesday.

Esguerra and Morckel called it a heartwarming part of the job. “Even during these rough times, with the pandemic going on, it’s nice to see them smile,” Morckel said.

Moses Daniel, general manager of the mobile home parks, said they choose residents at random for the gift, with a special emphasis on households that have kids. They also select people to receive meals at Christmas, and also give away some gift cards for school supplies at the start of the school year.

Daniel said the pandemic has made this year a struggle for many residents. He said the mobile home parks haven’t charged late fees for rent, and have sent out newsletters to keep people informed about where they might find other assistance.

“We love helping,” Daniel said. “I think everyone that can help should help.”

Marc Lester

Marc Lester is a multimedia journalist for Anchorage Daily News. Contact him at mlester@adn.com.

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