This year, the Laboratory collected more than 900 individual requests for gifts from 27 nonprofits and social service agencies across Northern New Mexico. The recipients include infants, children, senior citizens and others facing life challenges.

“It’s a time of giving, and I wanted to do something to help out other people,” says Lab employee Candyce Bustos as she brought in the gifts she had purchased. “It makes you realize how lucky you are, to be able to help out people who are less fortunate than yourselves.”

Gift requests include everything from toddler clothes, bicycles and skateboards for the younger folks to warm coats and hats to people dealing with homelessness.

In a little over a week after they were available, employees claimed all the tags, which includes the first name and age of the person they’re buying for and details of the requested gift. Like a team of hard-working elves, the employees purchased the gifts and brought them in for collection by the organizations in time for the holidays.

“It’s a great way to share the holiday spirit, and our employees’ generosity can really make a difference to people in need throughout Northern New Mexico,” said Selena Valencia from the Lab’s Community Partnerships Office, who co-ordinates the drive.