Special Holiday Giving – Warming Children’s Hearts, And Yours

It has long been a tragedy that one in three Taos County children live in poverty. On top of that, it's disheartening that New Mexico has often been ranked as high as third in the nation for the number of its residents under 18 years old who live in poverty.

 

“Poverty" is more than just about money. It means difficulty of reliable transportation to a job, school, or appointments, the inability to purchase needed food, or household and personal supplies. And poverty creates a lack of access to public services such as health care and education, marginalization by other people and institutions, and exclusion from everyday activities.

 

We know all too well that children living in substandard conditions suffer greatly. That's why longtime staff member Loretta Romo began the Angel Tree Project so CAV, you, and others can help bring joy during the holidays to more than 500 who live in poverty and have also experienced the trauma of domestic and sexual violence. In previous years, “Angel” cards were filled out listing individual children’s holiday wishes and needs.

 

Because of the pandemic, this year's Angel Tree Project must be different. If you would like to help these children in need, please make donations with gift cards – or a monetary donation so that CAV can purchase gift cards – and drop them at CAV offices, 945 Salazar Road, before Friday, December 17.

Suggested donation card amounts are:

  • For child ages 0-7 – $30; ages 8-12 – $40; and teens 13+ – $50

Although you won't have the usual intimacy of shopping and wrapping individual Angel requests – we hope you’ll remember how some children simply need warm shoes, basic clothing, coats, and other personal items. Or some even asked for a warm blanket, a request that always broke my heart. And some just wanted a special toy, art materials, or other item to help them have fun.

 

Fasken Foundation Match

CAV is once again honored that the Fasken Foundation has issued a generous challenge grant to further help the Taos Community. The philanthropic organization will match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 by December 31st. That means your donations will be doubled by the Fasken Foundation's generosity. With their help, we can reach this year's fundraising goal of $180,000 and cover funding gaps to assure continuation of vital community services to people victimized by domestic and sexual violence.

 

Shopping to Give Back

While shopping locally, remember to shop first with CAV’s Business Sponsors – they support critical CAV programs which help us all have a safer community! See them at TaosCAV.org.

 

And at CAV’s Thrift Store (1509 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, across from the Sagebrush) you can get the original UFO-cow sign fun iconic gifts of t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, totes, and more.

 

For a truly thoughtful gift, consider a donation to CAV in your loved one’s name – CAV can send a card or email letting them know of your special gift. Donate any time at TaosCAV.org or call the office at (575)758-8082.

 

When shopping online, at no additional cost to you, you can have a “bonus” donation go to help CAV’s programs! At Smile.Amazon.com (not the main Amazon page), designate “Community Against Violence” as your charity. Amazon will automatically donate a portion of proceeds to CAV from every eligible purchase you make. It’s easy! Use the AmazonSmile website on your phone instead of the Amazon app.

 

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 or get information on services, call CAV’s 24-hour hotline at 575-758-9888. TaosCAV.org