The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, but somewhere out there is a child who will not experience it in quite the same way. That’s where the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive comes in, by providing hope to those who need it most. EXIT Realty Advantage NM is teaming up with Los Alamos National Laboratory and The City of Santa Fe to lead the charge, by asking you to donate new unwrapped toys to the cause and, by doing so, helping to benefit 16 Northern New Mexico children’s organizations in their greatest time of need. The Northern New Mexico Toy Drive is on-going through the holidays, with drop-off points throughout the region for your convenience.
Los Alamos-based EXIT Realty Advantage NM has been running the toy drive in the region since 2020 when they took on what was originally the Santa Fe Fire Department’s toy drive efforts. That year, 2020 – one none of us will forget – was a tough year for the fire department because of the Covid-19 pandemic. EXIT took on the sponsorship of the toy drive that has been successful since 2010, and this year officially made it a non-profit organization, branding it The Northern New Mexico Toy Drive. Last year, 2021, this toy drive helped provide gifts to 15 children’s organizations raising nearly $30,000 in toys and monetary donations.
“We are working with children that are part of vulnerable populations,” said Lance Eaton, vice president of The Northern New Mexico Toy Drive. “This toy drive often represents the only time during the year that a child receives a new toy that is picked out specifically for them. The drive provides hope that someone is paying attention and cares.”
Whether you drop off an unwrapped toy or donate money for a toy to be purchased on your behalf, the toys will be given to one of 16 organizations and agencies working with children across New Mexico. Some of these groups include NM Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD), Casa Familia, Santa Fe Indigenous Center, Villa Therese Clinic, Las Cumbres Community Services, Jemez Pueblo, The Life Link, Barrios Unidos, Family Strengths Network-Grandparents & Kin. Other organizations receiving gifts are those serving children in San Miguel and Mora Counties that were severely impacted by the Hermits Peak fire this summer.
“We always look for multiple ways in which individuals and businesses can help to support The Northern New Mexico Toy Drive,” said Becca Jones, Associate Broker for EXIT Realty Advantage NM. “New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at multiple locations throughout Santa Fe and Los Alamos. If you visit the website there is a handy Google Map with all of the drop-off locations pinned.”
From the website you can also shop the wish lists or make a monetary donation. Checks, made out to The Northern New Mexico Toy Drive, can be mailed to EXIT Realty 1615 Central Ave, Ste 100, Los Alamos, NM, 87544. Organizations can also sign-up to be a drop off location, or host a collection event.
EXIT Realty Advantage NM also wishes to thank their 2021 and returning sponsors, Opulent Jewelry & Furs, Meow Wolf, PMI Janitorial Services & Supply, Title Guaranty, Stewart/Prima Title, Century Bank, Zia Credit Union, and Hutton Broadcasting. They are always looking for additional organizations to join in the effort. If your company is interested in sponsoring the 2022 Toy Drive, please visit the website.
But even with sponsorships, this effort relies heavily on the generosity of people like you, who provide community support in any way you can. For more information about the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive, visit the website, where you’ll find all the details you need to spread some holiday cheer this season.
Upcoming events:
November 26, 2022: Giving Tree Forest Lighting 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., at DeVargas Mall, Santa Fe
Come wander through The Giving Forest and take a gift request tag off one of the trees. Several local businesses will have their unique trees on display. Santa and Mrs. Clause are rumored to be making an appearance at the event. There will be music, snacks, and plenty of Holiday cheer!
December 9, 2022: Ugly Sweater Party 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., at Bathtub Row Brewing CoOp, Los Alamos
For the price of a new, unwrapped toy, come enjoy an evening of live music. Dance the night away, in your ugliest sweater, and feel good about bringing joy to a child this holiday season. Prizes for best ugly sweaters, silent auction, food truck!
This article was posted by David Salcido
