You know that Permanent Fund Dividend we all get every fall? It’s one of those uniquely Alaska things that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the U.S. — a reminder of why we love living here. As a way to give back to our members here in Alaska, we want to help make this year’s PFD payout even better.

Meet Matthew Brown, the heart behind Operation Children First in Soldotna, Alaska. What started as a simple way to help a few kids during the holidays has grown into a year-round lifeline for thousands of families on the Kenai Peninsula—providing toys, meals, clothing, and hope without judgment. Matt doesn't call it charity; he calls it responsibility. And his quiet dedication is changing lives, one child at a time.

December came with long days and full calendars. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much we accomplished! Between the holidays, school schedules, and everything else stacked on top of each other, December seems like it flew by. But in the middle of all that, a lot happened across our communities — kids shopping alongside officers, toy bins filling up in our branches, and events that brought families together during the busiest time of year.

As the holidays wind down and we’re gearing up for the new year, we wanted to pause and celebrate what turned out to be an amazing Added Advantage Holiday Cash Giveaway. What a season it turned out to be. We gave away THOUSANDS in cash prizes to members across California, Alaska, Wyoming, and Arizona—real money hitting accounts right when it could make the biggest difference for holiday bills, gifts, or just a little breathing room.