Kristy Ortega of RE/MAX, left, and Dolores (Dody) Richardson attend the bell ringers volunteer appreciation breakfast Feb. 16 at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. Courtesy photo

SELF HELP News:

During this past holiday season, volunteer bell ringers in Los Alamos and White Rock raised nearly $14,000 through the red kettle fundraiser, a collaboration between Self Help, Inc. and the Salvation Army.

Self Help’s Executive Director Diane Smogor announced results from the campaign at a bell ringer appreciation breakfast Feb. 16, held in conjunction with LAVA (Los Alamos Volunteer Association) at the Betty Ehart Senior Center.

“The outpouring of community support for this fundraiser is amazing. The 41 volunteers who rang bells for more than 250 hours are so invaluable! We were thrilled to once again partner with LAVA and the Smiths grocery stores in Los Alamos and White Rock during the holiday season to raise funds for individuals who lack critical needs, such as safe housing,” Smogor said.

Self Help taps into these funds throughout the year to provide immediate relief to Los Alamos County residents who need a hand-up with a rent payment, housing deposit, utility bill or other basic needs.

Interested in volunteering? The 2023 bell ringing season is nine months away but it is not too early to sign up.

Visit Self Help’s website, call 505.662.4666 or email contact@selfhelpla.org to learn more about current volunteer opportunities.