FRANKLYWNOW - ‘Loaves of Love’ feeds need in the Mat-Su Valley

Baking is as much a Christmas tradition as stockings and carols, but one Mat-Su Valley family has a unique approach in the kitchen.

Their plan to help others in need comes fresh from the oven, as the Kenley family has a history with bread.

“My mom and my family have been famous for their homemade bread for years,” said Lori Luff.

Sisters Lori Luff, Rita Christiansen and Amy Harmon know all of the family recipes.

“Each of these batches of dough will make about 20 loaves,” Amy Harmon said.

Four years ago, the family started a tradition they call “Loaves of Love.” With the help of volunteers, they bake and sell 1,000 loaves of bread in just two days. All the money raised is donated to a local family experiencing tragedy.

“If we tried to spread out sales and money to a lot of different families, it might make a small difference,” Amy said. “But we decided to choose one family and make a big difference for them.”

This year, the sisters chose Allison Ellibee and her nine children. After 21 years of marriage, Ellibee’s husband, Don, was in a motorcycle crash and later died.

“I know she’s very humbled by it all,” Allison’s friend Kristen Shirley said. “She doesn’t really like the attention, but I know it means a lot to her.”

The fundraiser has become popular in the Valley, but Harmon says it’s “more than the bread, more than the loaves — it’s the love.”

The post ‘Loaves of Love’ feeds need in the Mat-Su Valley appeared first on KTVA 11.