Seeking Warmth in the Southwest
It is something we take for granted, living in the Southwest: the weather.
We hardly ever experience firsthand the forces that much of the United States deals with. No tornados, no hurricanes, no blizzards. Rarely do we get any rain, let alone flooding. But what we do get, no matter what part of New Mexico you live, is cold.
That’s why for the eighth year in a row the New Mexico Department of Health’s Las Cruces Public Health Office is organizing its annual blanket and jacket drive called, “Warm Up Las Cruces”. Now underway it will run through the last week of February.
The annual event collects new and used blankets and jackets for children and adults.
“With the holiday season over, it’s easy to forget there are many in our community trying to do without the basic necessities,” said Sonia Campos, Department of Health Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutritionist.
The department is accepting used or new blankets and jackets Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the downstairs reception desks at the Las Cruces Public Health Office, located at 1170 N. Solano Drive.
Department staff will then take all donated items to local public service agencies to distribute the jackets and blankets to those in need.
“Donation drives are not part of the everyday services offered by the Department of Health, but they are very much a part of our mission,” said Southwest Region Public Health Director Ray Stewart. “Since we started this program eight years ago, residents have come through year after year with donations and as a result have helped many local families.”
“We have already seen some cold patches this winter. Even with high’s in the 60s recently, temperatures have fallen to near or below freezing at night,” said Campos. “A lot of families don’t have enough jackets or blankets to keep everyone in the family warm.”
“Warm Up Las Cruces” started years ago when our local WIC office noticed many of its clients were coming in without a jacket. It didn’t take long to learn many of them were doing without because they simply couldn’t afford it.
“I continue to be very proud of our staff for going above and beyond and helping the community,” said Stewart. “It’s a wonderful way to start off the new year to help neighbors in need. I am hopeful that people with continue to donate to this great program this year.”
For more information about “Warm Up Las Cruces” and other public health services visit the Southwest Region section of our website or call 575-528-5000.
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We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.