Neighbors helping to brighten the holidays
There’s a natural tendency to think of the less fortunate as the holiday season begins. Thank goodness for that. Generosity is overflowing, even if times are uncertain or tight. And the spirit of giving extends beyond self, friends and family. Giving to charities reaches a peak from October through December, something savvy nonprofits know.
That’s why Giving Tuesday, celebrated next week, was started. It’s a way of reminding all of the true meaning of the season.
In 2022, donors in the United States gave $3.1 billion on Giving Tuesday. That’s 15% more than in 2021, with more than 20 million participating, an increase of 6%.
In Santa Fe, that community spirit is ever present. We have dozens of worthy nonprofits who deserve support not just during the holidays but throughout the year. And at The New Mexican, we have a charity specifically for the holiday season — the Empty Stocking Fund, designed to help our neighbors in need.
As has been customary for more than four decades, the Empty Stocking Fund will help people who are behind on their rent, have car problems, confront house repairs or who need help with medical bills — and those are just some of the basic needs the fund can cover.
Applications are received until Nov. 30, or until 600 verified applications are turned in. Donations are being taken right now.
Community partners include the Santa Fe Community Foundation, Enterprise Bank and Trust, Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity, The Life Link, Gerard’s House, Adelante, Esperanza Shelter, the Salvation Army, Coming Home Connection and YouthWorks.
Fortunately, Santa Fe’s willingness to give to the Empty Stocking Fund is little short of astounding. The goal this year is $399,000 (think $400,000), which would surpass last year’s mark of $385,000. There’s plenty of hurt and worry in the community, and every dollar makes a difference.
For donors, there is comfort in knowing applications are checked carefully — there’s even a personal interview — and administrative costs of the program are covered by
and its partners. For people in need of help, the fund can provide the boost necessary to get through a momentarily hard time.
The Empty Stocking Fund makes the holiday season brighter in Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties, providing a critical safety net. But the safety net can’t be constructed without generous contributions from members of our community. Hundreds of individuals have reached into their pockets to help their neighbors directly every holiday season since the program began. The New Mexican, with the encouragement of the late former Gov. Bill Richardson, activated the Empty Pantry Fund to provide help during the coronavirus pandemic. This is a versatile, immediate way of sharing aid during a crisis.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy — but for many of our neighbors, precarious finances keep joy at bay. The Empty Stocking Fund is a way to help neighbors through hard times and keep the spirit of giving alive and well.