Two students at East Mountain High School are launching their own clothing drive this holiday season to benefit New Mexico’s homeless population.
The Christmas homelessness drive runs through Dec. 20 and will gather donated clothes, shoes and hygiene products at several locations in the East Mountains.
“We hope to encourage more people in the community to contribute to this cause and support those facing hardship during the holiday season,” drive co-organizer Alex Martin said.
Martin and her classmate at East Mountain High were motivated to run their own clothing drive after volunteering at the Joy Junction homeless shelter’s Thanksgiving feast last year.
“We were saddened to see that they quickly ran out of clothes to distribute to those in need,” Martin said. “Inspired by this experience, we decided to take action by organizing our own clothing drive for their upcoming Christmas feast. With the support of our school and community, we were able to collect around 5,000 items, which made a significant impact on those who attended.”
This year, the clothing drive returns with the goal of collecting even more donations for Joy Junction’s holiday event.
“We believe that with more awareness, we can reach our target and ensure that every individual in need has access to clothing this Christmas,” Martin said.
What to donate
- Gently used clothes
- Warm winter items
- Shoes
- New, unopened hygiene products (body care, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, combs and brushes)
- Children toys
- Books, bibles
- Canned food
Where to donate
- Edgewood: Smith’s, Thin Line Fitness
- Cedar Crest/Tijeras/Sandia Park: Triangle Grocery, Vista Grande Community Center, Los Vecinos Community Center, East Mountain High School
