For 55 years, The ARC of Anchorage has been there for Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"Some of them need a little bit of help; some of them need a lot of help."
Developmental Director Patti Saunders says ARC has residential facilities, job training and a recreation center for its clients. Those programs are funded in part, thanks to generous donations from Alaskans participating in the Pick-Click-Give program, now entering its 5th year.
Last year, Pick-Click-Give raised $2.2 million.
"One of the big things about is it's unrestricted money so we can push it where the greatest need is, and being able to do that is it's like a pressure valve for families who are in crisis," said Saunders.
Some money raised through the program is used to support caregivers who need a break from caring for that loved one.
"For many of the organizations this is one of their bigger fund raising tools, for others it's just a smaller way to raise money, so it really just depends on the organization,” said PCG Program Manager Heather Beatty.
Starting New Year's Day, Alaskans can sign up to give some or all of their PFD check to the participating non-profits.
There are 471 of them statewide and a majority of their board members must be from Alaska in order to be eligible for the program. 100 percent of your donation goes to the non-profit of your choosing.
"There's no limitation on what they can use it for” said Beatty. “They can use it to help people in emergencies, or rescue pets that are about to be killed at the shelter, there's no limit to the good work they can do with the pick-click-give contributions."
If there is a non-profit out there that wants to benefit from Pick-Click-Give, the organization can apply from February 15th to March 31st in order to receive donations out of next year’s PFD.
Contact Adam Pinsker
