Associate Director of Experimental Physical Science and LANL Employee Giving Champion Mary Hockaday, left, and Kathy Keith of LANL Community Partnerships raise the thermometer for the United Way of Northern New Mexico’s annual fundraising campaign Thursday at the Post Office. So far, the campaign has raised $440,000. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
One of the 300 New Mexico nonprofits supported by the LANL Employee Giving Campaign is Somos Amigos, an Española-based organization that carries out home repairs for elderly and low-income homeowners in Northern New Mexico to ensure their homes are safe and healthy. Courtesy photoLANL News:
In a record-setting 2018 Employee Giving Campaign, workers at Los Alamos National Laboratory raised $3 million to benefit mostly New Mexico nonprofit organizations.
“We are all aware that there are needs in Northern New Mexico and how, if we work together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors and communities,” said Executive Director Kristy Ortega of United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM), which will receive funds from the campaign. The UWNNM Community Action Fund benefits local nonprofit organizations serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba Counties, with a priority on behavioral and mental health programs. “We are thankful to those who have chosen to invest in their community.”
In the 2018 Los Alamos Giving Campaign, 1,716 Laboratory employees—more than ever before—have pledged more money than ever before; $2.6 million of this year’s contributions will stay in New Mexico and benefit organizations that improve the quality of life in the state. The remaining amount will go to out-of-state nonprofits selected by employees. Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS), the company that manages and operates the Laboratory, has committed to matching a portion of employee giving.
“The support and contributions from the Laboratory have helped change the lives of many teens throughout northern New Mexico and without that support, we could not provide the safe haven that our young people need,” said Ben Sandoval, of the Española Teen Center, one of the local organizations benefitting from the Giving Campaign. In a safe and caring environment serving about 600, the teen center provides programming that promotes self-discipline, builds self-esteem and teaches life skills essential to teens’ future success.
“It is gratifying to see the outpouring of generosity from employees of this Laboratory,” said Mary Hockaday, the 2018 Employee Giving Campaign Champion. “They understand the lion’s share of the money will stay in New Mexico and benefits organizations that improve the quality of life here.”
The Employee Giving Campaign helps provide funding for nonprofit programs that address critical needs in the community; the Laboratory has had an active giving campaign since 1954. LANS began matching employee contributions in 2007, and together the Lab community has donated more than $30 million since that year. Last year, employees contributed $2.2 million.
