Employees send Northern New Mexico students back to school with 1,500 backpacks

Thanks to the generosity of Lab employees, the 2024 Back to School Drive comfortably exceeded its original $25,000 fundraising goal used to purchase 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies for middle and elementary school students in need across Northern New Mexico.

Employees donated a total of $36,791 during the drive, which ran July 15-29.

"The employees stepped up to do their part to ensure students across Northern New Mexico have the tools to succeed this school year!" said organizer Kayla Norris from the Lab’s Community Partnerships Office.

"The LANL Back to School Drive holds significant importance for our district and students, as it addresses a critical need that some students face: the inability to acquire essential backpacks and school supplies independently," said Mel Vigil, community schools coordinator at Carlos Vigil Middle School in Española. "This initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging among our students and reinforces their understanding that they are valued and supported within our community."

Where the backpacks go

The following 16 schools and school districts will receive backpacks and school supply kits:  

• Taos Municipal Schools
• Peñasco Independent School District
• Cochiti Elementary and Middle Schools, Peña Blanca
• Cuba Independent School District
• Questa Independent School District
• Pecos Independent School District
• San Ildefonso Day School
• McCurdy Charter School, Española
• Pojoaque Valley School District
• Española Public Schools
• Mesa Vista Consolidated Schools
• Jemez Mountain Public Schools
• Chama Valley Independent Schools
• Lazaro Garcia Middle School, Mora
• Te Tsu Geh Oweenge School, Tesuque Pueblo
• San Diego Riverside Charter School, Jemez Pueblo

School nurses, teachers and counselors identify which students will get backpacks based on the students' individual needs and circumstances.