Joy Amidst Challenges: Santa and Soldiers Bring Smiles to Napakiak
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Chapter 1: A Day of Happiness in Napakiak
In the small Alaskan village of Napakiak, a school staff member, dressed in a traditional pink kuspuk, navigated through a bustling cafeteria decorated with vibrant murals representing Alaska. She joyfully announced to principal Sally Benedict, "Napakiak is happy today."
Such joy has been a rare sentiment recently for the approximately 300 residents of this western Alaskan town. Principal Benedict explained the dire situation: "We're falling into the Kuskokwim River," referring to the severe erosion that is compelling the community to relocate further inland.
However, for one day earlier this month, the Alaska National Guard brightened spirits with its "Operation Santa Claus," where the beloved figure himself handed out gifts to the local children. "This lightens the load," expressed Benedict, who moved to the area last summer from Detroit. "This is sunshine for us, a true brightening of our day."
Section 1.1: The Tradition of Operation Santa Claus
Now in its 63rd year, Operation Santa Claus is a cherished tradition that has become increasingly rare among National Guard units. While officials have discontinued the program in many regions, it continues in Alaska due to the state’s vastness and the remoteness of certain communities.
Initiated in 1956, the program arose when St. Mary's residents found themselves unable to afford Christmas gifts for their children after devastating floods impacted local hunting and fishing. Since then, Guard members have aimed to visit at least two rural communities annually, delivering not just holiday gifts but also essential supplies.
They have traveled to remote locations with names like Koyukuk, Savoonga, Illiamna, Kwethluk, and Tuntuliak. The journey to Napakiak involved a 400-mile flight from Anchorage in a small plane, followed by a brief helicopter ride to the village.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Joy of Giving
"We love this; we genuinely enjoy coming here," commented Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, as he topped ice cream sundaes with cherries for the delighted residents. "This is a proud tradition."
The National Guard is not the only organization playing Santa in Alaska. The Salvation Army is commemorating its 50th year of collaboration with the Guard, gathering gifts, backpacks, and other items for distribution. Major corporations like Costco and Walmart also support this initiative, and Rich Owens has consistently provided ice cream from his Tastee Freez restaurant in Anchorage.
"It's a labor of love," shared John Brackenbury, the Alaska divisional commander of The Salvation Army.
Section 1.2: The Crisis of Erosion
The erosion caused by the Kuskokwim River, which spans 700 miles and transforms into an ice highway in winter, has been a persistent issue for Napakiak, but the pace has intensified in recent years. This year alone, the community has lost over 100 feet of shoreline due to erosion.
In September, the school's ten fuel tanks were relocated by barge across the river to nearby Bethel, as they were under threat from aggressive erosion. The school itself is also at risk, located less than 200 feet from the river. Local officials recognize the need to move the school, but securing funds for a new building has proven challenging.
Additionally, the firehouse and city garage were relocated in July due to the erosion threat. The village has applied for permits to move the boat harbor, which was damaged during May storms. According to Benedict, the five-year plan includes relocating the entire community across an airstrip.
Chapter 2: A Moment of Joy Amidst Adversity
On this particular day, residents of Napakiak momentarily set aside their worries about encroaching erosion and instead focused on the joy reflected in their children's faces, with chocolate smudges from the ice cream sundaes they enjoyed.
Young Marcus Billy thought he had received a basketball, only to be confused by its lime green color instead of the traditional orange. Once all the wrapping paper was removed, his certainty returned. When asked if he was happy with his gift, he replied enthusiastically, "Yeah!" before dashing off to join his friends in play.