Lucy Robinson was pulled in various directions in Wrangell’s community center on the morning of Thanksgiving. In addition to soliciting donations to help the land slide victims She was also engaged in providing volunteers with roles in preparing the Thanksgiving dinner which was scheduled to take place in just a few hours. However, first, she took the volunteers to the basement to help bring food to the flood victims where the food was in case they needed anything.
“We have plenty here and if anyone needs things, I’d prefer they to come and shop here rather than go to a mall,” she said. “So Please think of us and help spread the word. If you know anyone else who are in need of things, tell them to visit us first. This is the reason this place is designed for.”
The contributions received recently came in from Petersburg substantially helped to increase the supply of donations for everyone and all animals that require it. These included clothing bins as well as cat carriers for cats, dog food and sockeye salmon, as well as other items.
Jamie Roberts, who evacuated along with her family members away from the home they shared, scoured in the basement bins for essential items they could use when they are away from their home.
“From what I’ve gathered the bulk of this was brought in by our neighbors and friends from Petersburg,” she said. “They took an inflatable boat and brought it to us, which is extremely helpful because the items you see here aren’t able to find in town. It’s not in stock. There are plenty of pants and shirts available However, try to locate underwear in charity shops.”
Through this tragic event, Roberts has felt gratitude for the way that her community banded together to help those who was affected by the landslide.
“I would like to thank the community, as there has been no shortage of people who want to help with vehicles, accommodations food, or other necessities,” she said.
Then, upstairs in the gym youngsters played on the bounce houses that were installed and players of all different ages, from a single digit to decades older, played the numerous basketballs that lined the court.
This year’s Thanksgiving may be different for a lot of Wrangellites however Robinson stated that she was shocked by what she heard about that the attendance for the meal for the community could be like.
“Initially I believed that it would just be a few people and we’d offer the food items that were donated over the last couple of days, but I’ve learned that many aren’t going to spend Thanksgiving dinner at their homes, and they’ll be coming to come and join our group,” Robinson said. “I think that people in this moment just desire to be in a group. In the midst of a tragedy, it’s good to be together.”
Tammy Meisner, another volunteer who was involved in coordinating the Thanksgiving celebration, explained she and other volunteers set up an online group,”the Wrangell Strong Community Relief Group that is for those who require assistance or need help.
They also have accounts opened at two local grocery stores and are conducting an notes on those who wish to give away the Alaskan Airlines miles.
Meissner stated that even though there is no food preparation in the community center Thanksgiving will be more like a traditional potluck.
“People donated turkeys, and are making Turkeys” She said. “We’ve (she as well as her husband) decided to not have an individual Thanksgiving. We’ll be doing that at a later date. We’d like for you to join us.”
At the time of the community Thanksgiving meal the kids sat down to watch a Christmas film in the dining room where the desserts were set. On the basketball court in the hall, guests were seated in rows of fold-up tables. There was a variety of food on the edges of the stage, from left to right. This included the traditional Thanksgiving fare as well as pizza Mac and Cheese, as well as other delectable items.
The music was blasting and, at one point two local ladies danced to Christmas music.
Rhonda Butler who is an expert in emergency operation at the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska she gathered food and sat for a chat. She arrived from Juneau to help with communications for residents who remain not in service.
She was helping to set up users with Starlink, the satellite service. She shared that she owns small generator which she connects her satellite device to for emergencies in remote areas.
“They should at a minimum make contact with their families to ensure that they’re secure and to contact the town and with the Wrangell Police Department, if they’re planning to take the decision to relocate to town and then relocate to the sites that are offered for sheltering within town.” She said.
Butler said that a lot of residents in the 75 houses that are located on the other end of the land slide belong to tribal communities. Butler is grateful that she has the ability to help them in any way they require.
“The long-term effects of being apprehensive or not having access to hunting is that it’s not season. It’s the only way to feed our tribal residents fridges, freezers and refrigerators for the winter months,” she added. “We have tribal citizens who are separated from their families at the moment. It’s crucial for the tribe to be here to respond in whatever capacity we can.”
As people slid out from the community center another volunteer was on hand to deliver food to the firehouse, for the first responders in all. Thanksgiving in Wrangell might not have gone in the way that many had hoped however, the Wrangell community gathered together, in the best way they could, to enjoy the warmth of a meal, some music and chat.
