A call for help

Very recently there was a devastating fire in the Alaskan village of Kotzebue.Kotzebue lies on the western coast of Alaska,33 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Like small towns and villages all over, when something tragic happens people pull together, and this is no different. Under my links section I list 2 particular blogs related to Kotzebue. I love the way these ladies share what life is like in their Village and now they are asking for help. Here is a re-post of their blogs, and you can also go to Cathy's blog or Maija's blog. For every $10.00 donation not only do you help these folks out, but you also get the chance to win some REALLY cool Alaska items!

One good thing about living in a village, is the astounding help you get in the wake of a tragedy.Early Saturday morning, the residents in Kotzebue (those who were awake, or awakened by the sirens) witnessed a sight so awful, words can not describe

A house fire ravaged four homes in the middle of town. Three of those homes were completely destroyed along with the memories within them. One home was partially burned, but will survive this with a nasty scar on one side.

Those homes belonged to a father and mother, Homer and Margaret Russell, elders in our community, grandparents taking care of grandchildren, parents who raised children. Homer suffered a fractured leg and Margaret scrapes and bruises. Their daughters, Eva and her husband Henry Booth also lost their home, as did their other daughter Barbara and her husband Chuck Janitscheck, but all escaped without harm.These families lost everything.

The home that was damaged belonged to another elder, Dolly Sours, who escaped unharmed with a friend who happened to be visiting.

So...we need YOUR help!Starting today, we will be hosting an online contest for locally made products.For every $10 you donate to the family, (I'll tell you how in a bit) your name will be put into a random name generator, for a chance to win some pretty AWESOME items.So far, we have the following: (I'll post photos tomorrow, as well as other prizes as we still have them coming in from local people)

Deluxe handmade Knife By Siksu's Knives

Eskimo Kuspuk (atikluk) made by a local sewer, custom to fit YOU!

Birch Bark Basket made by a resident of the Upper Kobuk

Mukluk Keychain handsewn

Mitten Keychain Handsewn
2 jars of homemade Aqpik Jelly (made by Red Seeberger)
2 jars of homemade Blueberry Jelly

2 jars of homemade Fireweed Jelly

A beaded Barrette with Mukluks and Flowers sewn into it

Ivory Ulu Earrings

An Ivory Zipper Pull

Three Fillets of Kenai Red Salmon (Vacuum Packed, frozen)

Three Packages Alaskan Halibut (Vacuum Packed, Frozen

Matted Photos by Aqvaluq Photography

Swan Antler CarvingAnd a multitude of other fun,

and SUPER ESKIMO things!P.S. if you want to donate something, please let me know, and I'll add it to the list.Here's two ways to win:1. A SAVINGS account has been set up at WELLS FARGO Bank under the name:Rick Janitscheck (the custodian for the account)ACCOUNT: 9790207832Visit your local Wells Fargo Bank and donate in increments of $10 (ten dollars) to that account. For every $10 you donate, your name will be placed in the database. Email me the confirmation of donation to: finnskimo@hotmail.com2. Write a check to: KOTZEBUE HOUSE FIRES, and send it to me, "C/O Maija Lukin PO BOX 1350, Kotzebue, AK 99752" and email me the amount and I'll put your name into the database.The drawing will be held Friday, September 25th.

Witnessing the fire only gives you an awareness of your vulnerability on this earth. A year and ten months ago, my aunt and cousin died in a house fire. Several months ago, a Selawik family with young children lost their home to a fire. Fire's rattle my nightmares, and shake me to the bone.What else can I do? I don't know, but what I can do is help.Thank you for your support and help. The residents of Kotzebue really appreciate it!