ALA Pilots, Part of Santa’s Posse
An empty, former Best Buy in Vancouver, Wash., became a hub of holiday
activity last Thursday night as Santa’s Posse worked to fulfill Christmas wishes
for 500 families in need.
For the second year, Alaska Airlines pilots, other employees from Alaska and
Horizon, and their family members worked with local community groups to support
this annual effort. The Clark County Santa’s Posse, a partnership between the
county’s Rotary Clubs and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, collects and
distributes toys and food to make Christmas special for less fortunate families.
Alaska pilots based in Portland became involved a year ago when Alaska Capt.
Jay Haldeman was approached after speaking at a Rotary Club function. The club
wanted to know if he and his fellow Alaska employees would help with the event.
It went so well, Haldeman said, that the decision to come back a second year was
an easy one to make.
Last week, the Alaska contingent had helped fill boxes
with everything from canned fruit and vegetables to ham and cornbread mix. Three
days later, on Sunday morning, more pilots helped to deliver those boxes to
families.
“We believe in giving back,” said Haldeman, who was born and raised in
Southwest Washington. “And now, there are hundreds of boxes of food and gifts
going out to the people who live in our community.” |