Shop local program closes after distributing $14,000 to displaced families

The shop local disaster relief program, a collaboration between the Haines Chamber of Commerce, Haines Economic Development Corporation and Chilkoot Indian Association (CIA), shut down Jan. 20 after distributing roughly $14,000 to 27 displaced families.

The program pooled donations from individuals and businesses throughout the region, distributing those in the form of gift cards for local businesses to eligible families. Chamber executive director Tracey Harmon said they worked with the Salvation Army to identify a…