Tribal government starts food and supplies drive for smaller Southeast communities without ferries

Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska food drive bin at the Andrew Hope Building in downtown Juneau. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)

A food and supplies drive is underway for Southeast Alaska communities affected by the loss of winter ferry service.

Many residents in Angoon, Hoonah, Kake, Pelican and Tenakee Springs have been working to gather subsistence resources to feed their communities.

But Jamiann Hasselquist of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska said those residents still need help with basic necessities. Without a ferry to deliver freight to those communities, they can’t get things like toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, baby wipes and diapers, and feminine products.

With Juneau as a hub community, Hasselquist said they know there are more people who are willing to help.

“We know we have a lot of big hearts out there, people who want to help our neighboring communities,” Hasselquist said. “And this a community effort — a community-wide effort — and we just want to encourage all of Juneau to really show us what you got.”

Items can be dropped off in bins around Juneau. They are located at the Andrew Hope Building downtown, the Edward K. Thomas Building on Glacier Highway, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) office on Vintage Boulevard, and the Vocational Training and Resource Center (VTRC) on Hospital Drive.

Office Max will also take donations on weekends.

Hasselquist said they plan to collect the items every week and take them to communities by air carrier, marine charter or private boat.

She said they’re also taking cash donations to pay for transportation costs or other requested items.

Those wishing to make a cash donation can contact the Central Council’s Davida Phillips at 907-463-7703.

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