United Way of Southeast Alaska
Mendenhall Auto Partners with Subaru to Deliver Much-Needed Blankets and Socks During Cold, Snowy Winter
Steve Alwine is always paying attention to Juneau’s needs. As a businessman, he’s proud to work with Subaru at his dealership, Mendenhall Auto because, like his dealership, Subaru maintains a focus on community support. A few months ago, he noticed a promotion Subaru had for free blankets, but unfortunately, he’d missed the deadline. He had heard that the local warming shelter was in need and he wanted to help out. He reached out to his contact at Subaru and asked that they let him know when this promotion comes up again so he wouldn’t miss it. 

Turns out Subaru wanted to help even though the deadline had passed. They shipped him several boxes of blankets which ended up getting lost in the mail. So Subaru sent the order again - but after a mailing mishap - or delay - as all of us have experienced in 2021, boxes from both shipments started landing at the doorstep of Mendenhall Auto. It turned out that both orders were coming in. And, there was a bonus - socks! This is one of the most needed items at shelters across the country.
Steve reached out to Pastor Karen at Resurrection Lutheran Church who runs the warming shelter on behalf of the City and Borough of Juneau. She said new blankets were rare and very appreciated by those who use the shelter. And of course, the extra boxes of new socks were well received and helped address a high need item. 

As we all know, Juneau has had an unusually snowy and cold winter so getting an extra shipment of extra blankets and socks ended up being a great boost for the shelter as they entered the busiest time of year.

We’re excited to share that United Way of Southeast Alaska has earned a 2022 Gold Seal of Transparency with Candid!

Now, you can support our work with trust and confidence by viewing our profile.
Local Frequency App - First Year in Review
As of December 31st, Local Frequency had 1,021 users on the app (and growing). These users are locally-minded people who understand the importance of buying local, and they are rewarded with Local Dollars earned using the app as well as offers by businesses. Imagination Station offers 10 Local Dollars when you spend $100, and Coppa offers from 3%-10% cashback when you pay with Local Dollars.

The Local Frequency app’s “Local Change” feature also allows users to round up their purchases to donate to their favorite nonprofits while earning rewards for shopping at locally owned businesses.

Over the holidays a considerable number of Local Frequency Gift Cards were purchased, and recently the first large order was purchased for Legislator welcome baskets by the Alaska Committee. Local Gift Cards are gaining traction in the community, and a great way to support local!
Download the free app and get started today!
American Red Cross Needs Volunteers in Southeast Alaska
Turn Compassion Into Action
Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. Whether helping one displaced family or thousands or teaching others how to respond in emergencies, it’s through the efforts of ordinary people that we can do extraordinary things. The Red Cross responds to an emergency every 8 minutes, and our vital work is only possible because of people like you.

Volunteers are urgently needed in the following positions in Southeast Alaska:
  • Disaster Action Team (DAT) Responder
  • Recovery Team Member (Caseworker)
  • Community Preparedness Educator
  • Disaster Action Team (DAT) Duty Officer

Volunteers applying for in-person roles must be fully vaccinated. Many positions are offered in hybrid capacity. Contact SE Disaster Program Manager Britta Tonnessen or Recruitment Specialist Quacyya Cuaresma for more information!
Rain or Shine Learning All the Time
Allowing children to participate in cooking projects builds their skills and sensory vocabulary.

Here's an easy way to foster curiosity: When you're cooking, gather and name the ingredients. Have your child close her eyes and taste an ingredient. Have her guess what she tasted.

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We have one life. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED®.