The Christmas Is for Kids fundraiser began with Morris Thompson during his 15 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Doyon. A Koyukon Athabascan born and raised in Tanana, Thompson was one of Alaska’s prominent business leaders who used his wit, values, and wisdom to heal, unite, and lead.
He started Christmas Is for Kids with the goal of ensuring that children aged 0 to 18 in different villages in the Doyon region received a gift at Christmas time. Ever since, Doyon employees have proudly carried on this tradition. Initially funded only through employee donations, the initiative was only able to support one or two villages each year.
However, in recent years, Doyon employees have organized community fundraisers—such as Indian taco sales, spaghetti feeds, and raffles—allowing gifts to reach up to five villages annually. The receiving villages are rotated to ensure every village in the Doyon Region is included.
“Morris Thompson brought the spirit of giving to life with Christmas for Kids, creating a meaningful way to reconnect and give back to our communities. Each year, we are able to ensure that children aged 0 to 18 in different villages feel the joy of the season, honoring our traditions and making a lasting impact.” – Micah John, Doyon Facilities Manager.
Despite the challenges of delivering gifts to remote areas—sometimes requiring creative solutions like shipping to Anchorage and using smaller planes—this beloved tradition continues, now also extending to include gifts for elders at the Denali Center and local elder homes.
