A statewide toy-drive is helping provide holiday cheer to kids at UNM Children’s Hospital.
Courtesy Photo

Nusenda Credit Union partnered with the UNM Children’s Hospital and Jardin de los Ninos this holiday season to help bring joy to kids. Nusenda employees across the state participated in the two-week toy drive, donating toys and funds to bring holiday cheer.

From Nov. 21 through Dec. 2, Nusenda branch locations served as drop-off sites, where staff donated new unwrapped toys for children of any age. Over 900 toys were collected as well as monetary donations totaling $2,400 from generous Nusenda team members.

“Nusenda employees demonstrate dedication to their communities year-round,” said Nusenda President and CEO Joe Christian. “The holidays can be difficult for many families, especially those with loved ones facing health challenges. We hope that these toys and donations bring comfort and a little joy to children in need.”

“This drive has such a huge impact on the children and families at UNM Children’s hospital,” said Amy Funk-Herrera, Associate Program Director with UNMCH. “Throughout the holidays, kids come in from all over the state due to a recent diagnosis or an accident, and their family may not have enough time or resources to buy gifts. These donations make a huge difference because hospital specialists can deliver gifts to kids in our hospitals and clinics, and the kids can feel normal. Without this support, the hospital wouldn’t be able to provide that kind of normalcy.”

The UNM Children’s Hospital is the only Children’s Miracle Network hospital in New Mexico and serves more than 60,000 kids each year. The specialists at the hospital and various clinics around the state provide the most advanced and personalized pediatric care.

Jardin de los Ninos is a non-profit organization in Las Cruces that is designated as a Trauma-Informed Care Center. The team provides early childhood education, therapeutic intervention, and comprehensive services to homeless and near-homeless children from the ages of six weeks to 10 years, and their families.

Chieftain Staff Report