By Mike Cook
There are many nonprofits and charitable organizations in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County that provide care and support for those in need every day of the year.
As we approach the holidays, “it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time,” as Charles Dickens said in his classic 1843 novella, “A Christmas Carol.”
In this series, which will continue through mid-December, the Bulletin will provide current information on nearly 30 local organizations that could use your support – money, other donations and volunteer time – this holiday season.
- CRA Parents Support (Children’s Reading Alliance) local nonprofit engages families and community in childhood literacy through its Raising Readers Together branches: First Teacher/Primer Maestro parent support program, Reading Buddies and the distribution of thousands of children's books into local households. Donations of new/gently used books (no religious books) for children ages birth to 8 (no religious books) are welcome. Donate at childrensreadingalliance.org. Contact at info@cralc.org or 575-522-3713.
- Project Linusneeds new, washable, handmade quilts, afghans, fleece blankets to give to local children who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need; blanket-making materials, postage stamps, cash donations, gift cards to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts. Drop off fabric, yarn, other donations at Sew What’s New, 3961 E. Lohman Ave. #9; Be Sew Creative (formerly Bernina Sewing and Design Center), 1601 E. Lohman Ave.; Joann Fabrics, 1711 E. University Ave.; Threadbear fabric store, 2204B S. Main St. Mail donations to Susan Stoltzfus, P.O. Box 116, Mesilla Park, NM 88047. Contact Stoltzfus at 575-526-3695 and sgstolt13@gmail.com. Visit projectlinus.org and on Facebook. “See examples of the blankets we donate and visit with Linus members at our booth at La Casa Bazaar (see above)," Stoltzfus said.
- 35th annual Rio Grande Rotary Club Las Cruces Dress the Child program buys new clothes and shoes for needy children. In 2021, it served 150 children, 300 in 2020 (both years’ numbers were reduced because of Covid-19, 537 in 2019, 15 in 1984 (the first year). Participating children are chosen by Las Cruces, Gadsden school districts; each receives $130-$150 in new clothes and shoes, which many have never had before. Mail donations to LCRGRF Dress the Child, P.O. Box 550, Las Cruces, NM 88004, or deliver to Julie Koenig, First New Mexico Bank, 3000 E. Lohman Ave. Contact Doug Boberg at 575-644-9469 and drboberg@gmail.com.
- Mesilla Valley Community of Hope: People experiencing homelessness need new or gently used coats, blankets, socks, gloves, tents, towels, shampoo, soap, toiletries. Mail cash donations to MVCH, P.O. Box 16526, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Donate online at www.mvcommunityofhope.org. Call 575-523-2219 or email hope@zianet.com. MVCH, 999 W. Amador Ave. During FY 2021-22, MVCH served 4,714 clients (3,263 in FY 2020-21), provided shelter to 277 (254 in 2020) in Camp Hope tent city, provided housing to 701 people, including 158 children.
- St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church seeks donations for three projects: 1) Christmas shoebox Ministry: donate wrapped or unwrapped shoeboxes with toys for underserved children in southern New Mexico, or make a financial donation so St. Andrews can buy shoebox items; 2) Angel Tree 2022: Beginning Sunday, Nov. 27, St. Andrew’s will have a table at each 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday service to distribute angel tags with the names of local children in need to buy gifts for and return to the church; 3) St. Andrew’s has a collection barrel for donations of warm clothing and small Christmas gifts for Navajo adults and children supported by St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School (www.stbonaventuremission.org) in Thoreau, NM, Tuesday, Nov. 15, is the St. Bonaventure donation deadline. Drop off donations or send a check or money order to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 518 N. Alameda Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88005. Office hours are: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Donate online: saintandrewslc.org/giving/. Contact St. Andrews at 575-526-6333 and saintandrewslc@gmail.com.
