Following the success of last year’s fundraising efforts, the Laboratory again combined several of its drives and campaigns into one seasonal push, with employees given several choices of how they wanted to give. They could donate to nonprofits or scholarships, purchase gift kits for vulnerable children and senior citizens, or donate winter hats, gloves and socks to shelters serving people facing homelessness or domestic violence, and young adults transitioning from foster care to independent living.
“It has been a challenging year for many people across Northern New Mexico, so it’s great to see so many Laboratory employees step up to make a positive difference in their communities through their generosity,” says Thom Mason, director of the Laboratory. “They’re providing more opportunities to students, supporting nonprofits doing vital work, and providing some warmth and cheer to people in need across the region.”
The employees’ pledges and gifts included:
- $2.25 million to nonprofit organizations
- $363,000 to the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for students from Northern New Mexico
- 1276 gifts kits for young people and senior citizens in need
- $12,000 to The Food Depot to fight food insecurity across the region
- Many hundreds of winter hats, gloves and socks
Triad match: $0.50 on the dollar
Laboratory operator Triad will match a portion of each employee’s giving to charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the seven counties in which the majority of Laboratory employees reside (Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos, San Miguel, Mora and Sandoval), and in Eddy County, where LANL also has a presence. This year’s match will be $.50 on the dollar, providing more support to the nonprofits in our region.
The Lab partners with regional service agencies, shelters, and other nonprofits to make sure the gift kits and winter clothing go to the people that need them most.