Shania Ramirez
Las Vegas, N.M. –Social work students and student government leaders at New Mexico Highlands have joined forces for a Thanksgiving canned food drive.
Each year, the Undergraduate Social Work Association at Highlands organizes a Thanksgiving Meal Basket Drive for Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Fe. This year, the Associated Students of New Mexico Highlands University is lending a hand with the canned food portion of the drive.
Donations from the public are also welcome with a deadline of Nov. 22.
“In these baskets, we include everything that is needed for a traditional Thanksgiving including a Butterball turkey, corn, green beans, potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and the baskets themselves,” said Shania Ramirez, a Highlands social work senior who is a member of both the social work and student government organizations. “We depend on the help of our fundraisers and community donations. This year, we’re teaming up with the Associated Students of New Mexico Highlands University to collect canned food to help fill the Thanksgiving baskets.”
Ramirez said the need is high for families who receive Thanksgiving baskets.
“We have many families in Las Vegas living from paycheck to paycheck who can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal. The families are chosen through agencies where Highlands social work students are completing field-based practicums. It’s very rewarding to give back to a community that has welcomed me so warmly,” said Ramirez, of Portales, New Mexico.
Canned food may be donated at Douglas Hall, Room 105, 805 University Ave. Items such as canned corn, green beans and cranberry sauce are especially needed, along with other non-perishable food such as stuffing mixes and gravy packets.
“Items that are collected and not used for the Thanksgiving baskets will be donated to the Highlands University Emergency Foods/Basic Needs Pantry,” Ramirez said.
For more information, contact Ramirez at sramirez6@live.nmhu.edu or 575-607-0360.