Pictured above: Sitka’s School and Preschool teacher representatives received the Strawberry Dipping supplies to create the event in their schools or to send a kit to children studying at home.

Children from several schools in Sitka, AK enjoyed a healthy Valentine’s Day treat, thanks to Alaska Commercial Company Lakeside Sitka (AC Lakeside).

The event was inspired by a Strawberry Dipping table hosted by AC Lakeside during a Family Night presented by the store and Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School around Valentine’s Day last year. The Strawberry Dipping was very successful as kids were able to learn some fun facts and health benefits of strawberries while enjoying a sweet treat.

AC Lakeside team wanted to keep the magic going this year, and organized a Strawberry Dipping Event to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This year’s event was expanded to three more schools: in addition to the Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School students, children at Baranof Elementary School, 3 to 5 Preschool and Betty Eliason Child Care Center enjoyed a Strawberry Dipping event at their school or at home.

On February 10 and 11, school and preschool teacher representatives picked up the supplies donated by AC Lakeside, to create the Strawberry Dipping event in their classroom following social distancing guidelines – or to prepare a kit and send it to those children who are studying from home due to the pandemic.

The event was a once again a great success, 768 kids participated and enjoyed this year’s event and several parents posting photos of their child’s dipped strawberries on social media and calling the schools to say thank you.

Pictures above: Children from 3 to 5 Preschool sent handmade cards and a poster to thank the AC Lakeside team for the Strawberry Dipping event.

AC Lakeside Store Manager Vince Winter and his team were happy to put a smile on children’s faces for Valentine’s Day.

“This Valentine's Day we wanted to continue the magic of our Strawberry Dipping event and share our appreciation to the children in our community by making a special event for them. 2020 brought a lot of challenges and changes; we have learned to adapt and some things need to remain magical,” he said.