STATE News:ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Susana Martinez and Red Cross New Mexico announced Wednesday that state employees have raised more than $13,500 in this year’s Dollars for Disaster campaign.
The sixth annual partnership between Red Cross New Mexico and New Mexico state employees raises money to provide relief to victims and help to emergency responders throughout the state.
“From fires, floods and other emergencies, New Mexicans know more than most how important it is to be prepared – and how to come together to help those in need,” Martinez said. “I’m proud that our state employees are leading by example to help fellow New Mexicans. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Red Cross and other partners across the state to help those in need.”
“We’re always grateful for the generous outpouring of support from New Mexico state employees, as well as the general public,” said American Red Cross of New Mexico Executive Director Kathy Segura-Salas. “Through donations like these, we’ll be able to keep helping those in need with resources needed to help families, communities and first responders get through disasters – and be better prepared to meet these challenges in the future.”
New Mexico state employees have partnered with Red Cross New Mexico for the Dollars for Disaster Campaign since the Las Conchas Fire in 2011. Money raised through the campaign goes directly to helping provide food, shelter, clothing and health needs to families displaced by disasters, as well as supplies, training and other resources to emergency responders.
Yesterday’s announcement comes as staff and volunteers from Red Cross New Mexico have joined hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers from all across the country in a massive disaster relief effort for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Governor Martinez has also directed New Mexico state agencies to provide any aid requested. The New Mexico National Guard has deployed three aircraft and their crews to aid in relief efforts, as well as prepared a team of more than 80 personnel to accommodate potential additional requests for assistance.
The public can help those affected by Hurricane Harvey by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief online at www.redcross.org or by calling 1.800.RED.CROSS.