As volunteers distribute free meals, Anchorage’s giving spirit shines on a Thanksgiving unlike any other

Slices of turkey, scoops of mashed potatoes, ladles of gravy, wedges of pumpkin pie and dollops of whipped cream — these Thanksgiving dinner staples were shared by many in Anchorage this year thanks to the efforts of volunteers and community members.

Insook Baik, who owns the Shell gas station in Mountain View, on Thursday continued her decade-long tradition of passing out free Thanksgiving meals for community members.

Baik frantically ran across the store for more hand sanitizer one moment, stuffed bags with chips and drinks the next, and helped carry to-go meals to a woman’s car. Unable to hug a customer who came to visit due to social distancing, Baik ran back inside to continue helping.

She and a team of volunteers, including Josh Kim, a former pastor at the First Korean Presbyterian Church, hustled as they handed out hundreds of free meals to a steady and growing line.

“This is something I have to do,” she said while helping a customer from behind a plexiglass screen. “I’m gonna give my heart. I am happy.”

In Midtown, cars remained at a standstill in the east lane of C Street north of Fireweed Lane as drivers waited for their free Thanksgiving meal from the drive-thru at Kriner’s Diner. Celebrations rang from inside the restaurant as they received donations from loyal patrons.

The Salvation Army also continued its annual tradition of delivering free meals to seniors and those in need as part of their Older Alaskans Program.

“I think that there is definitely a higher need due to the pandemic,” said Lessa Peter, communications manager for the Salvation Army’s Alaska division. This year, 150 meals went to individuals in transitional housing who are either quarantined because they have tested positive for COVID-19 or because they are waiting for their results.

Roughly 30 volunteers assisted on Thanksgiving Day, helping package, drive and deliver about 550 meals — an increase from last year’s 400 distributed meals.

“They choose to help out in the community and do something for somebody who’s in need,” Peter said of the volunteers. “Even though we’re in a pandemic, you’re still seeing people who want to help any way they can. They have empathy for those who are struggling in the pandemic.”