The iconic Alaska outfitter partnered with Xtratuf to donate 300 pairs of boots
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – When Typhoon Halong tore through Western Alaska, families had minutes to grab what they could before leaving their homes behind. Now, as winter settles in, the need for warm clothing is urgent – and Alaskans and local companies are answering the call. Among the first to step up in a big way: Big Ray’s.
Big Ray’s has teamed up with Xtratuf to support GCI’s ongoing winter gear donation drive to help Alaskans displaced by the storm. The two iconic brands, which are synonymous with Alaska’s outdoors, have donated 300 pairs of boots. This adds to GCI’s contribution of $6,000 worth of winter gear purchased from Big Ray’s.
Big Ray’s teamed up with Xtratuf to donate 300 pairs of boots to GCI’s ongoing winter gear donation drive.
“Alaskans have always shown incredible generosity when their neighbors are in need,” said Megan Webb, GCI Senior Director of Corporate Communications. “This drive is about making sure families displaced by Typhoon Halong have the gear they need to stay warm and safe. We’re grateful to Big Ray’s and Xtratuf for stepping up in such a big way, and to every Alaskan who donates.”
Big Ray’s co-owner Jessica Rostad echoed that sentiment. “Helping families through this tough winter is something we take to heart,” said Rostad. “We’re proud to support GCI’s drive and are thankful to Xtratuf for their generous donation of boots. Together, we can make a real difference for kids and families affected by Typhoon Halong.”
GCI will work with the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) to ensure the donations get to those in need. The drive runs through December 2, Giving Tuesday, at GCI retail stores in Anchorage, Eagle River, and Wasilla.
What’s needed most:
- Heavy winter coats (all sizes; girls’ size 7/8 especially needed)
- Children’s snow pants (all sizes)
- Children’s snow suits (urgent need)
- Winter hats (all sizes)
- Winter boots (urgent need)
GCI will continue to share updates on urgently needed items via its social media channels, based on guidance from relief organizations.
Through the end of the year, GCI will also provide full plan-fee credits to customers in Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Napakiak, and Nightmute – some of the communities most heavily impacted by the storm.
These efforts build on GCI’s previous response efforts, which included an employee-led donation drive that collected more than 125 pallets of donated items. The company also donated $100,000 to the Alaska Community Foundation’s Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund and opened a temporary GCI service site at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, which helped more than 100 evacuees stay connected.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45 years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is an independent publicly traded company (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK, GLIBB) Learn more at https://www.gciliberty.com/.
Media Contact
Josh Edge
Phone: 907-575-3622
Email: jedge@gci.com
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