AHBA Brings Holiday Cheer to 1,508 Anchorage Children through the 19th Annual Shoebox Program

Thousands of less fortunate children across Anchorage face a Christmas without presents. The Anchorage Home Builders Association won’t let that happen. Its annual Shoebox Program ensures kids have at least one gift to open on Christmas morning.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our members who donate gifts, money and their time to help us make the holidays a little brighter for our youngest neighbors,” said Nikki Giordano, AHBA’s chief executive officer.

AHBA partners with the Anchorage School District to identify children who are in less fortunate situations, financial hardships, etc. This holiday season, AHBA will be giving backpacks filled with gifts and essentials to 1,508 ASD students. They range in ages from 4 to 13, and some are living in shelters.

“AHBA is committed to creating a better community for Anchorage,” said Eric Visser, the president of AHBA’s Board of Directors. “Christmas should be a special time for families, but it can be difficult when there aren’t gifts under the tree. We’re grateful for the ability to help.”

On December 7th at the midtown Walmart, AHBA members will get together for a shopping night, followed by the backpack stuffing night on December 13th at Visser Construction. The following day, ASD will pick up the backpacks and distribute them to the families before Christmas break.

This year, more than ever before, AHBA needs community support. Helping spread the word to get more people involved is the key to success. We still have 800 backpacks left to fill. Every little bit helps!

AHBA has been involved in the Shoebox Program since 2002.