By now most people are aware that we have a lottery in Alaska. However, I don't think that people are aware of how it functions and of the benefits it provides to local nonprofit agencies of Alaska. The income from Lotto Alaska goes to support nonprofit agencies and we at Nenana Senior Center count ourselves as blessed to have received help from the lotto at the beginning of September.
We are a rural nonprofit, 501.c3 senior center and have been incorporated since 1978. We have seen years when the budget went a long way in meeting the needs of those we serve. We have also seen years where it is a constant struggle simply to provide any essential services. Our last most current fiscal year has seen a significant budget reduction. It is only with a diversity of funding sources that we can continue providing nutrition, transportation and support services to people in and surrounding our community.
Being rural, it is important that we have reliable transportation to procure supplies from Fairbanks, an approximate hour drive from our center. The vehicle we had was a 2017 GMC truck and it had over 230,000 miles of use and beginning to have mechanical problems, most importantly with the transmission. Since the vehicle was also used to transport clients for medical appointments, it was even more important that it was dependable, reliable and most importantly safe when seniors/elders were in transit.
I reached out to Lotto Alaska and was contacted by Dave Lambert and his crew. After completing the required application, we began the search for a replacement vehicle. That in and of itself was nothing less than a difficult process. There was a limited selection of new four-wheel drive trucks in Fairbanks. Plus, meeting all the requirements from the dealership to hold a vehicle was an additional barrier. Needless to say, Mr Lambert and his crew went above and beyond to help us "jump through the hoops" in order to get a new agency truck.
Our agency contributed $10,000 from our gaming income, and with the additional financial contribution from Lotto Alaska, we were able to replace the agency truck. For the help, NTCA is very grateful. We wanted to let others know what a wonderful support program that Lotto Alaska is for the local non-profit agencies. When you purchase your lotto numbers for a chance to win a big money prize, I just want you to know that you are already a winner. A winner in that you are helping your friends and neighbors who utilize any services that non-profit agencies provide.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lotto Alaska!
Vickie Moyle
Nenana Tortella Council on Aging, INC
