November 25, 2014 Voice Your Opinions! Letters to the editor make a difference. You can send a letter of up to 200 words (shorter letters are more likely to be accepted) to the Alaska Dispatch News by email (letters@alaskadispatch.com); or by fax or mail (call them at 257-4308). Send letters to the Anchorage Press via e-mail editor@anchoragepress.com or by mail to 540 E. Fifth Ave, Anchorage, 99501. Feel free to call us if you need factual information to help you write a letter. Contact the Governor. The Governor can be reached at 269-7450; sean.parnell@alaska.gov; or www.alaska.gov. Contact us. My office can be reached at: 733 W. 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501; by phone: 269-0106; visit my website at http://gara.akdemocrats.org; or email: Rep.Les.Gara@akleg.gov

Dear Neighbors:

I and other legislators were not allowed to send out newsletters in the month before the November election.  That's why you haven't received a newsletter in a while.  But, well, that season of loud ads is thankfully over.

I'm happy to report that during that newsletter blackout period one of the two foundations that help with our Laptops for Foster Youth effort pledged $20,000 to buy new computers for foster youth, who face special struggles both in school and daily life.  Thank You to the LAP foundation.  And thank you to the many individuals who have donated new and gently used computers, and funds for new laptops.  And thank you to the one anonymous foundation that donates twice a year.  Call us if you'd like to know how to help with funds of donated laptops (269-0106).  We'll get them to youth through coordination with the non-profit, Facing Foster Care in Alaska, and the Office of Children's Services, and will continue this effort which has succeeded because of the help of so many.

Thanksgiving should be a time for rest and comfort for us all.  And a time for reflecting and giving thanks. 

But as we know, many in our community struggle.  Thanksgiving reminds us that charity and good works are something we should think about all year, not just on this one day.  But for this day, here is what the Food Bank and Bean’s Café have told us about their needs.

Food Bank (272-3663; 2121 Spar Ave, Anchorage):  They appreciate monetary donations all year, for the families they help all year.

They have also told us the following items will help for Thanksgiving:  corn, green beans, cranberries, gravy, and stuffing mix to be dropped off at any of the following locations:

Crosspoint Church (Dimond and Minnesota, in the Burlington Coat Factory mall)
Spenard Recreation Center (2020 West 48th
Central Lutheran Church (Cordova and 15th)
St. Patrick’s Church (2111 Muldoon Road)
Joy Lutheran Church (10111 E. Eagle River Loop Road)
Mt. View Community Center (315 N. Price, off of Mt. View Drive)

Also, Bean’s Café is no longer signing up volunteers for Thanksgiving Day, but there are lots of other ways you can help: They are in need of donations of paper products, coffee, dinner rolls, butter, pies, and fresh produce (no home-made goods please). You can also contribute to Beanie Boxes, which provide festive gifts to the homeless and those in need. Bean’s Café can always use financial donations as well.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.

My Best,