Helping others in need during the 2020 holiday season

Third in a series. Throughout November and into December, the Bulletin will present information on ways you can help those in need in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County during this holiday season.

• 33^rd annual Rio Grande Rotary Club Las Cruces Dress the Child Program buys new clothes and shoes for needy children. It hopes to serve 700 in 2019 (2019: 537 served, 1984 [first year]: 15). Participating children are chosen by Las Cruces and Gadsden school districts. Each receives up to $150 in new clothes and shoes. Send donation checks to LCRGRF Dress the Child, P.O. Box 550, Las Cruces, N.M. 88004 or take them to Julie Koenig at First New Mexico Bank at the corner of Lohman Avenue and Nacho Drive. Contact Doug Boberg at 575-644-9469 or dougboberg@comcast.net. Shopping dates (when children get their new clothes) will be in November and December at Old Navy and Kohl’s.
• Mesilla Valley Community of Hope: People experiencing homelessness need new or gently used coats, blankets, socks, gloves, tents, towels, shampoo, soap and other toiletries. Mail cash donations to MVCH, P.O. Box 16526, Las Cruces, N.M. 88004. MVCH is located at 999 W. Amador Ave. Contact Nicole Martinez at 575-523-2219 or hope@zianet.com. Visit www.mvcommunityofhope.org. MVCH served 2,744 clients last fiscal year, including 317 veterans, and provided shelter to 234 in Camp Hope Tent City. It provided housing to 570 people, including 150 children.
• Tutti Bambini Children’s Store nonprofit (opened 2013) sells gently used children’s clothing, toys and more. Proceeds benefit local and border-community outreach programs for children challenged by poverty and special needs. Donations of items to sell and cash donations are welcome, especially needed are boys’ clothes, sizes 2T-8; coats for boys and girls, all sizes; and new or almost new Christmas toys. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 300 El Molino Blvd., (near intersection of Alameda and Main). Contact Sister Beth at 575-640-1997 or daddiosister@yahoo.com, Jeanne at 575-556-9752. Visit www.meetlascruces.com/Tutti-Bambini-in-Las-Cruces.html and on Facebook @tuttibambinilc.
• Jardin de Los Niños supports homeless/near homeless children, families. Following a COVID-19 re-entry safety plan as it prepares for the holiday season and colder weather, Jardin seeks donation support. In addition to its Adopt-A-Family campaign, Jardin will only accept in-kind donations and items it needs most: diapers and pull-ups (especially sizes 4, 5), baby wipes, cleaning products (sanitizing sprays and wipes), hygiene products (soap, shampoo, conditioner, Q-tips, etc.), zipper storage bags (gallon and quart sizes). Donations are accepted 10-11 a.m. Mondays and by appointment at Jardin. Volunteers welcome through virtual support. Call 575-522-2111, info@jardinlc.org. Open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Closed Fridays for deep cleaning. Located at Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, 999 W. Amador Ave. Mail donations to 1300-G El Paseo, PMB #272, Las Cruces, N.M. 88001. Donate online at www.jardinlc.org. Shop and donate at Jardin’s La Tienda Ladies Boutique, 335 La Colonia Ave. (SW corner of Alameda Avenue and Main Street). Donations of new and gently used clothing, jewelry and household items welcome. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; donations received 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Mondays for deep cleaning. Call 575-541-9746. Jardin has been serving children and families since 1995.
• Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico supports many nonprofits in Doña Ana County and southern New Mexico, providing support to families in need through multiple funds. Contact Terra Winter at 575-521-4794, terra@cfsnm.org. Donate online at www.cfsnm.org. Mail checks to Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, 2600 El Paseo Road, Las Cruces, N.M. 88001.