Ways to help others during the holidays

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.

And remember, every dollar and every hour you donate makes a difference.

• Salvation Army Las Cruces Corps needs canned/pre-packaged food, frozen turkeys, toys. Deliver to 1590 California Ave. or call 527-524-1044. Send donations to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1423, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Emergency services for families in need: food: noon-3 p.m. Thursdays; used clothing, utilities, rental assistance: 8-10 a.m. Wednesdays. ID and utility bill required to prove Doña Ana County residency. Volunteer for holiday bell ringing (Monday, Nov. 7-Saturday, Dec. 24) at 1590 E. California Ave., contact Capt. Michael Evans at 575-524-4713 and michael.evans@usw.salvationarmy.org. Donations of Christmas gifts needed for low-income children for Angel Tree program, contact Capt. Noel Evans at 575-524-4713 and noel.evans@usw.salvationarmy.org. Main location and thrift store, 220 E. Idaho Ave., need donations of new and gently used items; drop off or call 575-524-1590 for pick up. To volunteer, call 575-524-4713. Visit lascruces.salvationarmy.org/ and The Salvation Army Las Cruces Corps and The Salvation Army Family Store Las Cruces on Facebook. Saturday, Dec. 3: Toy Drive, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., old K-Mart parking lot, 1900 Bataan Memorial East; arrive by 10:30 a.m., bring at least one boy and one girl gift valued at $10 or more each; gifts also accepted at Rudy’s Bar-B-Que, 1020 N. Telshor Blvd.
• La Casa, Inc. domestic violence organization needs non-perishable food items, coats, gifts for teens and children of all ages, household items, furniture, gift cards in any amount, toiletries and cleaning supplies. Take items to 800 S. Walnut St. in Las Cruces or 325 First St. in Anthony, NM. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Mail cash donations to La Casa, Inc., P.O. Box 2463, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Donate online at lacasainc.org/donate/. Volunteers are also needed. Contact Brenda Gonzalez at 575-526-2819 and brendag@lacasainc.org. Visit La Casa Thrift Store, 812 Spruce Ave., open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Donations are welcome. Visit lacasainc.org/thrift-store/. La Casa, Inc. is an emergency shelter open 24/7, housing up to 90 people. In 2021, La Casa served more than 600 adults and children. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4: La Casa’s 31^st annual Holiday Bazaar, Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave. Tickets are $7 for one-day pass, $15 for all three days. 100-plus vendors expected. Find hours and ticket information at lacasainc.org.
• Las Cruces Public Schools’ Project Link Homeless Education program serves about 600 temporarily or permanently homeless students and families each school year. It needs donations of blankets, new winter coats (teenage male, female sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL; sizes 5t-16 for boys, girls); warm clothing, warmups with long sleeves, beanies, gloves, socks, underwear (all sizes: boys, girls, juniors); diapers (sizes 1-4); shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, toothpaste, feminine products, laundry soap, wipes; bath towels, washcloths, snack bags. Take items to Project Link office at Valley View Elementary, 915 E. California St. Mail check, made out to MKV Project Link, to 505 S. Main St., Suite 249, Las Cruces, N.M. 88001 ATTN: Finance Department. Contact Ray Banegas, 575-527-6688 and rabanegas@lcps.net; Cecilia Montoya, Carla Solis Holguin, Margarita Solis and Juliette Paez-Pearcy at 575-527-5858.