JUNEAU, Alaska – The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Liberty is scheduled to begin its annual Southeast Alaska Blanket, Coat and New Toy Drive Wednesday running through Dec. 3 in an effort to collect donated items that will be provided to villages throughout Southeast Alaska.
The crew of the Liberty is working with several local businesses including Taku Fisheries who will donate bins the Coast Guard will place throughout the city at Safeway, Super Bear Supermarket, Fred Meyer, Costco, Wal-Mart, Alaska & Proud and the Juneau Federal Building.
Following the collection period, Alaska Laundry and Dry Cleaners is donating their time and equipment to fully clean all the items donated. Les Schwab Tire Center is providing heavy-duty tire bags to keep the donated items dry during delivery.
The Coast Guard has developed close ties with communities throughout Alaska and understands the resource challenges of living in remote areas. The Coast Guard started the Blanket, Coat, and New Toy drive in 1997 helping to meet some of these needs at a time of year when the spirit of giving is at its highest.
“The crew of the Liberty is extremely excited to commence this years drive, especially when reflecting back upon the success we experienced in years past,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brian J. Tesson, commanding officer of the Liberty. “Juneau’s overwhelming response last year was heart warming and truly exemplified the spirit of giving associated with the holiday season.”
The crew of the Cutter Liberty will then make deliveries of the donated items to the communities of Hoonah, Angoon, Kake, Pelican and Elfin Cove between Dec. 13-18.
“Last year, the generous donations were gratefully received by the different rural communities and will surely be appreciated again this year,” said Tesson.
Working together with the residents of Juneau, it is our hope that we can make the holidays a little brighter for some Southeast Alaska residents.
