Angel Tree, Fasken Challenge, & Shopping to Give Back
Angel Tree: Did you know Taos County has one of the highest percentages of children living in poverty? According to New Mexico Voices for Children, approximately one of every three Taos County children live in poverty. During Community Against Violence’s (CAV’s) 23rd Annual Angel Tree Project, you and CAV can make a difference for over 500 of these children. This project has been organized annually since its inception by longtime staff person Loretta Romo. “Angel” cards have been filled out for individual children listing wishes and needs. Angel gifts need to be returned to CAV by December 13th to be matched up with each child.
By reading through some of these Angel cards one can begin to understand the level of need these children and teens have. With a little time and shopping, you can help bring some joy to their holidays. Some of them are simply asking for a winter coat (sizes are given), shoes, clothes, and other practical items. Some even ask for a warm blanket (these make my heart ache). Some cards contain wishes in addition to the items needed, in case you, your family/friends would like to do more than basic needs. Some ask for toys, others, like teens, may ask for a gift certificate or card, so they can choose something special on their own.
If you would like to have a wonderful impact on a child and inspire their hope, consider adding CAV’s Angel Tree to your family’s holiday traditions. Go to CAV’s main offices (945 Salazar Road, Taos) to choose an angel. Or, donate money for last minute gifts needed for children entering CAV’s emergency shelter during the holidays.
Double Your Donation - Thanks to the Fasken Foundation: CAV is honored to receive a generous challenge grant from the Fasken Foundation! They will match donations, of any amount, before December 31st, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000. We need the community’s help to reach our annual fundraising goal. Every amount is greatly appreciated and increases the impact of your year-end giving to support critical community services for children and adults who have experienced the trauma of domestic/sexual violence and child abuse.
Shopping to Give Back: While shopping locally this holiday season (and into the future), remember to shop first with CAV’s Business Sponsors – they support the services and programs of CAV which help us all have a safer community! You can find a listing of them at TaosCAV.org under the “about” tab. And at CAV’s Thrift Store (1103 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos) you can also get the original cow-UFO fun iconic gifts of t-shirts, mugs, hoodie’s, totes, and more.
If you are looking for a thoughtful gift idea, consider making your donation to CAV in your family’s or a loved one’s name – CAV can send a card or email letting them know of your special gift. Donate anytime at TaosCAV.org or call the office at 575-758-8082.
When shopping online, without any additional cost to you, you can have a “bonus” donation go to help CAV’s programs! Go to Smile.Amazon.com (not the main Amazon page) and designate “Community Against Violence” as your charity. Amazon will automatically donate a portion of proceeds to CAV from any eligible purchase you make. It’s easy! Use the AmazonSmile website on your phone instead of the Amazon app. This simple change adds up to support CAV services.
Wishing you all safe and peace-filled holidays!
Malinda Williams is the executive director of Community Against Violence (CAV) which offers FREE confidential support and assistance for child and adult survivors of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and child/elder abuse; community and school violence prevention programs; re-education groups for people using power and control in their relationships; counseling; shelter; transitional housing; and community thrift store. To talk with someone or get information on services, call CAV’s 24-hour hotline at 575-758-9888. TaosCAV.org
