On Friday, May 8, 2026, less than a week after Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's Citywide Cleanup kicked off, about 20 United Way of Anchorage employees spent the afternoon filling orange bags with trash that snow had hidden until its recent melt off. We focused on the street right by our office in Mountain View. Why? Because making a difference always begins in your own backyard. KTUU stopped by to highlight this volunteer opportunity and how you can get involved.
Our efforts to help Anchorage and Alaska thrive result in more people having chances to live healthy, stable lives. “That takes on many components," said Sue Brogan, our Chief Operating Officer & Alaska 211 Director. She volunteered in United Way's cleanup efforts and noted that taking care of the "natural environment" is one way that people, like you, can help.
You still have time to participate in the Anchorage Citywide Cleanup. Through May 31, 2026, you can grab some orange bags from one of 26 places around town. Then, gather your family and friends, find your favorite green space or thoroughfare that needs a little tidying up, and make a difference in Anchorage by removing some trash. Once your bags are filled, you can drop them off at five locations around town. You'll get some fresh air and feel better seeing a clean community.
You have many other ways that you can pitch in to help Alaskans and our community thrive. Lately, we've grown Be The Change 907. It is United Way's centralized volunteer engagement and management platform. The website connects volunteers, teams, and organizations to meaningful service opportunities across the community and streamlines recruitment, scheduling, communication, impact tracking, and reporting.
Right now, needs and opportunities are primarily in the Anchorage area with organizations like Anchorage School District, Camp Fire Alaska, Downtown Summer Weekend Market, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Mutual Aid Network of Anchorage, and Sundown Alaska. However, anyone throughout Alaska can use www.bethechange907.org to recruit volunteers for their events and needs. Consider registering for an account today!