Community

Spread cheer by sending holiday cards to friends and loved ones this year. Dec. 9 is Christmas Card Day, and Alaska is the perfect location for your winter landscape family photo or a Made in Alaska card.

Sporty or luxe, quirky or tasty, these Alaska-made gifts are perfect for tucking under the tree or in a stocking this holiday season. Check out our list of the best Alaska-made gifts from around the state, and get everyone checked off of your holiday shopping list (and maybe something for yourself, too.)

The holiday season is just around the corner, and before you know it 2019 will be here. November is notoriously the time of year when the holiday stress starts to hit, both at home and at work. Here are some tips to conquer that pile of responsibilities during the busiest time of year:

There’s no shortage of design inspiration each holiday. From the homes on St. Charles to the Instagram posts, it’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed. Here are some decorating tips that strike a balance between festive and frugal:

The holidays are here, and it’s definitely the most wonderful time of year. From baking cookies to singing carols, everyone has their own traditions. Although people debate when to start decorating or play Christmas music, one of the most heated topics is the best holiday movie debate.

Most people know Alaska for its amazing slopes and endless backcountry trails – a dream for skiers and snowboarders. The state is also perfectly constructed for another timeless winter activity: downhill sledding.

The holiday season is in full swing, and contrary to popular memes, you do not need alcohol to make it through. Whether you’re sober or not, plan sober-friendly celebrations by providing alcohol-free options and never pressure people to choose alcohol.

On Nov. 15, Thompson & Co.’s CEO Jennifer Thompson spent a cold winter’s night outdoors with other Alaska executives to show solidarity with the 4.2 million young people in America who experience homelessness each year. The Sleep Out, Covenant House’s annual awareness campaign, raises funds for programs, resources and shelter for local homeless youth.

This special “Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down” is giving nonprofits all “Thumbs Up” this week:

Did you know Alaska celebrates National Philanthropy Day? The Alaska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals coordinated its annual Alaska Philanthropy Day on Friday, Nov. 16, with a day of professional development sessions geared toward Alaska nonprofits looking to grow their philanthropic skill set.

While people prepare for the holidays by shopping for gifts and baking feasts, animals prepare by stocking up on food. If feeding a big family on Thanksgiving sounds pricey, consider the cost of feeding over 100 animals daily.

Great Land Trust is an Anchorage-based nonprofit focused on land conservation for community benefit in Southcentral Alaska.

As Alaskans focus on tasty turkey dinners, Santa Claus and Black Friday deals, it’s important to take a step back and consider those less fortunate. GCI is stepping up to make the holiday season brighter for those who may need some extra help.

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter across the state of Alaska and in their local communities. ACF partners with nonprofits that tackle pressing needs and issues such as homelessness, education, social justice and workforce development.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Do you know about Alaska’s leading source of information, support and services?

The Alaska Zoo hopes to ring in 2019 with an updated brown bear habitat, and BP is generously matching up to $20,000 in private donations. Any contribution made to the Alaska Zoo’s general fund will be matched dollar for dollar.

Alaska has the country’s highest veteran population per capita, and this Giving Tuesday we can give back to those who bravely served our country.

As the holidays approach, the University of Alaska Anchorage is joining an international movement inspiring people to give back to education. Many people are familiar with #GivingTuesday but may not have heard of #GivingSchoolDay. From elementary schools to universities, communities across the world are supporting education.

Nonprofit organizations are essential to a thriving community, but what really goes into starting and maintaining a successful one? Below are three of the most important elements of a strong nonprofit.

With so many great organizations to support, how do you pick just one and still make a lasting impact? There are a few things to consider before writing that check or volunteering.

Plan on giving back this holiday season? There’s an app for that:

The long-awaited season two of the Emmy-award winning “Day 001” series premiered last Friday at Bear Tooth’s One Course Discourse.

Snow has finally arrived, bringing a plethora of opportunities for outdoor exploration in Alaska’s largest city. Walk, ski or bike Anchorage’s 200 miles of trails, a great way to connect with the city’s commitment to the outdoors.

Applications are now open for 2019 spring and fall semesters for the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program’s full-time high school component.

Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday is on Nov. 18, and it’s time to celebrate. Disney parks will be having a special birthday party, but the joy is spread worldwide. Join the celebration from Alaska:

Sometimes we need inspiration to get into the Halloween spirit. Bring out your spooky side at events and haunted places in Alaska:

The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program is accepting applications for its Summer Bridge component now through Dec. 7. Summer Bridge is open to Alaska students who are going to be graduating from high school and want to get a head start on their STEM degree and future career by taking a college course and completing a paid internship.

At a public forum hosted by the University of Alaska earlier this month, Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of Berkeley Law and author of “Free Speech on Campus,” said universities have an obligation to protect free speech on college campuses.

With school back in swing, juggling carpool responsibilities is one task almost every parent dreads. Conquer your school carpool with these tips:

Living in Alaska means learning the language. You have to know the difference between seemingly similar holidays, things and places.