Food drive makes the holidays brighter for local families

Through November 20, employees and friends of Los Alamos National Laboratory can donate nonperishable food items to be distributed to families around Northern New Mexico in time for the holidays.

The items needed to fill a donation box include: instant mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, canned evaporated milk, canned vegetables, canned sweet potatoes or cranberries, a four-pound bag of sugar, a five-pound bag of flour or biscuit mix, a quart of vegetable oil, boxed cake or cookie mix, and a jar of coffee, tea, or fruit-drink mix.

Donations can be dropped off at the Community Partnerships Office in downtown Los Alamos (1619 Central Ave) or at various locations around the Laboratory—look for the giant cardboard boxes labeled “Holiday Food Drive.”

“Something new is happening this year with the drive, with employees also having the opportunity to purchase gift cards if they are unable to shop for food,” Selena Valencia of the Lab’s Community Partnerships Office explains.

Donors can purchase gift cards from Smiths, Walmart or Albertsons, and deliver them to the Lab’s Community Partnerships Office in person, or by using pre-addressed envelopes available at the food drive boxes around the Laboratory.

Laboratory employees are also encouraged to participate in the annual Take Your Turkey To Work Day, which is the last day of the drive, November 20. 

As in previous years, the Food Depot will bring the donated food items to its warehouse in Santa Fe where Lab volunteers will help prepare holiday food boxes for families.

"The Food Depot is grateful for the longstanding relationship with the Community Partnerships Office and Los Alamos National Laboratory,” says Jill Dixon, director of development at the Food Depot. “The generosity of this incredibly important part of our community has had a deep impact on those who are struggling throughout Northern New Mexico. Giving the gift of food leaves a lasting impression on all involved."

The Food Depot will distribute the boxes in the second week of December to more than 12 Northern New Mexico organizations that have identified families in need to receive the food. The drive’s other sponsors and supporters are Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos National Security, LLC; Cray; and Stewart Title Company.

For more information, contact Selena Valencia at 505-665-4400.