Staff Report
UNM employees are getting into the holiday spirit by donating their time and effort to one local nonprofit organization.
UNM's Advancement Division, which is coordinating this year's annual "Spirit of Giving" campaign, decided to focus its efforts on the Women's Community Association after researching many organizations in the Albuquerque area, said Hilary Jetty, a development specialist for the Advancement Division.
"It was tough to decide because there were so many organizations helping people in need," Jetty said in a University news release. "It was a real eye-opener to see how many were in existence."
The Women's Community Association has been in operation since 1976 and is currently the only domestic violence shelter in the Albuquerque area. Victims of domestic violence receive shelter, counseling, life training and support services at the association's shelters, according to its Web site.
The center houses victims and their children. As children comprise up to 60 percent of those served, the association provides a special children's program.
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All services to clients are provided free. In November, the shelter was operating at full capacity, according to the news release.
The Anderson Schools of Management was one of several UNM departments that decided to participate in this year's "Spirit of Giving."
Lisa McHale, a development coordinator for Anderson, said admission for faculty and staff to Anderson's holiday luncheon on Dec. 11 will be a donation to the Women's Community Association.
The Advancement Division is made up of employees from the University's Alumni Association, KNME TV, Public Affairs and the University Communications and Marketing Departments.
The division is asking UNM staff, students and faculty to help them in their cause by making donations to the Women's Community Association.
A wish list of donations was submitted to the UNM committee by the association's director detailing what they need most. Donations are being collected for the association's clients and the shelter. Items most in demand are new personal hygiene items: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner and hairbrushes.
Winter clothing, including hats and gloves for children, is also needed.
Those who plan to donate large items should call Jetty at 277-1655.
"Anybody who has a good TV sitting in their garage or has discarded their VCR for a DVD, we'll take those items," Jetty said.
"Spirit of Giving" collection boxes are located at the Alumni office in Hodgin Hall; the Development office at 700 Lomas Blvd. NE; the UNM Visitors Center at 1700 Las Lomas NE and KNME TV. Donations are being accepted through Dec. 15.
