INUVIK
Donations of all kinds have been pouring in for the family of May Elanik, who died after being found injured and unconscious on a trail last month in Aklavik.

Francine, 4, in the arms of Frank Elanik Jr., with children Trinity, 8, left, Starr, 12, and Hayven, 14, are receiving donations following the recent death of May Elanik. - photo courtesy of Liz Gordon

"The response has been so awesome," said Liz Gordon, who is co-ordinating the effort to give Elanik's husband and daughters as comfortable a Christmas as possible.

"Not just in Inuvik, but from Tuk, McPherson, Yellowknife, even Alberta. It makes my heart so happy that everyone who knew her or knew of her has a heart for her family."

So far, two truckloads of presents, clothes, and food have made their way to Aklavik from Inuvik, with more still on the way. Gordon said her phone rang off the hook for hours after she spoke about her efforts on the radio last week. After gathering as much as she could, she took a trip to Aklavik on Dec. 4.

"The back seat was full to the roof," she said.

"We got them a tree at the last minute, and everything just fit in the back of the truck."

Gordon said the idea started out as a simple toy drive for Elanik's youngest children, Hayven, 14, Starr, 12, Trinity, 8, and Francine, 4, but quickly evolved into something much larger. From as far as Edmonton, she said people have been sending her clothes, food, cleaning products, toiletries, and Christmas decorations for the family. Weeks after the initial requests were sent out, people were still calling her, asking how old the children are, what they need, and what sizes they wear.

"When I attended the funeral, I cried so hard when those kids were yelling for their mom," Gordon said.

"I think everyone there was crying with those girls. I knew I had to do something."

Gordon, originally from Aklavik, said she knew the family and wanted to help, but that she had no idea it would grow so much in such little time.

"I have a heart for those kids," she said.

"I didn't think it would get so big, but I'm so happy it did."

Gordon thanked everyone who had contributed so far, as well as those who still have donations on the way.

Elanik's husband, Frank Elanik Jr., added his thanks to Gordon's.

He told the Drum he and his girls greatly appreciated the generosity.

"Just want to say thank you for all the gifts and support," he said.

"I didn't expect to get this much."

Despite the help coming in from all corners, Elanik said it's still hard to cope with the loss of his wife. He said he would tell her he loved her every day for nearly 20 years, and that he hasn't stopped.

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