By Eddie Ezelle ED MatSu Food Bank

As the world changes, so must we.

Like me, you are probably tired of the constant bombardment about the COVID-19. For those of us nonprofits that have been in this battle for years, the only truly changing thing is how we provide the services we have always provided and the increase in client volume because so many are out of work due to the shutdowns. It has or will shortly begin to strain any resources we may have available.

The Alaska nonprofit world I believe is better prepared for these types of crisis than the for-profit world in most cases. We have dealt in resent years with fires, floods, earthquakes and now deadly viruses and have come out the other side with new or better methods or ideas to incorporate for the next crisis. And yes, I believe there will be more issues in the future, but Alaska can survive this too.

At the MatSu Food Bank we have prepared, as others have for years, to be able to handle downturns in donations and resources and I have to say like the man falling off the building passing the second floor said; “So far so good!”

We are very grateful to you who help us with cash donations and food to help sustain our level of service provided to our clients in these uncertain times.

Because Alaskans understand we must be prepared and cannot expect help right away from anyone else, we come together quickly in times of need and are more than willing to help one another without hesitation.

So, the MatSu Food Bank is here to say thank you.

Thank you to all the Alaskans who stepped up immediately to help in any way they could.

Thank you to those on the front lines helping others despite the risk to themselves.

Thanks to the nonprofits who are working so hard to maintain normalcy while increasing the level of help.

And thank you, Alaska, for all you do!

From the Staff, Board and Volunteers of the