Press Release

Juneau Department of Law has raised over $35,000 for those in need since 1998

December 18, 2019

(Juneau, AK) – The Juneau office of the Department of Law has quietly been helping the most needy in the community with food over the holiday season for two decades to the tune of $35,733 and tens of thousands of pounds of food. In 1998, the office started a tradition where employees engage in a friendly competition for the coveted “Pork & Beans Trophy” by dividing themselves into two teams usually based on where their office is located. The trophy goes to the team with the most points, and points are acquired by counting each pound of food as one point and each dollar as one point. The money goes to the Meals on Wheels program run by Catholic Community Services, which delivers meals to homebound seniors. This year, the food will go to the Glory Hall and Housing First.

“This is a great tradition,” said Assistant Attorney General Cori Mills. “When I came to the department eight years ago, I was amazed to see the generosity of everyone who works here. This is not like a private employer where the company as a whole can donate—this takes each individual employee voluntarily donating to make it happen. It is a wonderful testament to the devoted public servants in this department and a reflection of Juneau’s charitable culture.”

There is a core team that helps make the competition happen, and the office manager, Richard Carter, has taken a lead role since starting in the position. “The best part is seeing the food stash grow larger and larger and then finally being able to pass it off to local shelters and food banks. ‘Tis the season to be altruistic and I’m so proud to say I work with people who care,” said Richard.

Associate Attorney Joleen Langel is another key team member. She collects the money and makes sure it gets to Catholic Community Services for the Meals on Wheels program. She takes great joy in seeing the generosity of her colleagues. “I’ve been the Meals on Wheels person for nine years,” said Joleen.  “And I am always amazed by the unwavering kindness and generosity of the staff here. We take a great deal of pride in this event—it’s something that we look forward to every year. Winning the trophy is always fun but the real joy comes from knowing this event benefits our community. I am grateful to my colleagues for their continuous support of these great programs.”

This year the Juneau office raised $2,510 for Meals on Wheels—a new record for the office—and donated 1,016 pounds of food to Juneau’s Housing First and the Glory Hall.

“The Juneau office organizes this competition themselves every year,” said Attorney General Kevin G. Clarkson. “And it is always exciting to hear about their efforts. From Juneau to Nome to Dillingham and Anchorage, the department‘s employees give back to their communities in many different ways. This is one great example. It makes me proud to work here.”

# # #

Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.