Thanksgiving traditional continues with meals at Russian Jack Elementary
Thanksgiving arrived a few days early for a handful of Alyeska’s Anchorage-based staff, as it has for more than 25 years. The Alyeska tradition of serving Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of happy students at Russian Jack Elementary School – and their teachers and staff, too — is a celebration of the season’s spirit of gratitude.
This year’s big meal was served Tuesday to around 300 students (from preschoolers to 5th graders) and 40 staff who packed the RJ cafeteria. They lined up quickly for Thanksgiving classics served by 14 TAPS workers: turkey and ham, corn and dressing, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, buns and butter, and regular or chocolate milk, along with the classic Thanksgiving dessert pumpkin pie and whipped cream (there was Jello and chocolate chip cookies, too)! Thanks to Scott and his crew from Twigs Catering for cooking up the massive and mighty tasty meal!
As always, the volunteers, led by Alyeska’s Candi Munguia, were thankful to prep the plates, chat with students and staff, mingle around the buzzing cafeteria, and continue a community connection that means so much to so many at Alyeska past and present and Russian Jack Elementary School. Before the meal, the Alyeska team took a moment to reflect on memories of former teammate Patti Altom, who recently passed away. Patti created this tradition and carried it on for more than 20 years. Patti made sure that every Thanksgiving event was a truly special day for the students and staff, and for her Alyeska coworkers, and she beamed when students gave her handmade thank you cards.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, everyone! #TAPSPride #Thankful
