Laboratory employees donate $45K for school supplies

Thanks to the generosity of Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, this year’s Back to School Drive will make a meaningful difference for 1,500 elementary and middle school students attending 16 schools and school districts across Northern New Mexico.

The drive surpassed the goal of $40,000 and raised an impressive $44,998 to purchase backpacks, notebooks, pencils and other essential supplies. These tools will help equip local students for a successful start to the school year and ease the burden for families facing financial challenges.

“These efforts are helping to create brighter futures, one student at a time, as we continue to invest in our region’s youth and education,” said drive organizer Tina Moore, of the Lab’s Community Partnerships Office. “For many children, these items represent more than just school gear — they are a vote of confidence that shows their community believes in their potential.”

Where the backpacks go 

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

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

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