AWARE thankful for creation of the Juneau Holiday Village

Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies is deeply grateful for community volunteers Samantha Adams and Tamala Booton, who have transformed the Alaska Shirt Company into the breathtaking Juneau Holiday Village.

From their love of community, and perhaps their love of all the season offers, they have opened the doors of the Juneau Holiday Village to both show many interpretations and perspectives of the holiday season and to raise funds for non-profits meeting people’s basic needs throughout the year, and during the holiday season.

Admission is free and visitors can make voluntary donations in support of AWARE, the Glory Hole, the Southeast Alaska Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Incorporated into the holiday village scenes are the Epic Eye Spy Challenge, photo booth and abundant refreshments.

The Juneau Holiday Village will be open today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Dec. 21-23 from 5-6:30 p.m. for hot cocoa, cookies and a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The final weekend to visit the village is Dec. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As a community agency working to end violence against women and children, violence which is 100 percent preventable, we know we cannot do it alone. We are blessed to live in a community where individuals generously extend their gifts and caring so survivors of intimate partner violence and child abuse can feel supported, not just by AWARE staff but by community members and businesses looking to serve a greater good.

Sam and Tamala, AWARE salutes you in recognizing the needs of Juneau’s citizens and taking action with grace, humility and generosity. You are truly local heroes this holiday season!

Thank you Sam, Tamala and the Alaska Shirt Company. The Juneau Holiday Village you are sharing with the community and your accompanying fundraising are inspirational for all of us at AWARE, and perhaps all of us in Juneau. You are angels of the season.

Saralyn Tabachnick,

Executive director, AWARE

More in Neighbors

Orange apricot muffins ready to eat. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Orange apricot muffins for breakfast

A few years ago when I had a bag of oranges and… Continue reading

Tari Stage-Harvey is pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: Watching our words for other people

I could be wrong, but the only time Jesus directly talks about… Continue reading

A person walks along the tideline adjacent to the Airport Dike Trail on Thursday. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
Gimme A Smile: Help me up

I fell on the ice the other day. One minute, I was… Continue reading

Brent Merten is the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Juneau. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: Imagine the comfort of Jesus’ promise of heaven

Earlier this month, former president Jimmy Carter died at the age of… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire File)
Community calendar of upcoming events

This is a calendar updated daily of upcoming local events during the… Continue reading

Caesar salad ready to serve. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Restaurant-style Caesar salad

When I go to a fine restaurant and Caesar salad is on… Continue reading

(Photo by Gina Del Rosario)
Living and Growing: Free will

Genesis 1: 26 -28 And God said, Let us make man in… Continue reading

Becky Corson is a member of Shepherd Of The Valley Lutheran Church. (Photo provided by Becky Corson)
Living and Growing: ‘Secondhand’ can be a wonderful way to go

These clothing sales are ruining my life. Maybe that’s an overstatement. It’s… Continue reading

A sculpture of Constantine the Great by Philip Jackson in York. (Public domain photo republished under a Creative Commons license)
Living and Growing: Christianity or Churchianity?

Several cruise ship passengers arriving in Juneau this September were greeted on… Continue reading

Szechwan-style fish ready to serve. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Fish Szechwan style

Ever since I started writing this column, I have debated whether to… Continue reading

Fred LaPlante is the pastor at Juneau Church of the Nazarene. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: Reflections from Advent

Do you feel pulled in so many directions this Christmas season? I… Continue reading

Members of the Juneau Ski Team offer cookies and other treats to people in the Senate Mall during this year’s Gallery Walk on Friday, Dec. 6. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Gimme A Smile: Gifts through the ages

Why is it that once the gift-giving holidays are over and the… Continue reading