Maura Taylor, executive director of Self Help, Inc., left, accepts a check from Chris Ortega and Megan Ortega of RE/MAX First. Courtesy photo

SELF HELP NEWS

Money will help regional families keep afloat in a difficult winter

RE/MAX First and the residents of Los Alamos stepped up for their neighbors this holiday season, raising $8,300 to help local organization Self Help, Inc. 

The fundraising came as a critical time for Self Help, which made the decision to forgo its annual Salvation Army bell-ringing fundraiser last year due to COVID-19 concerns. In a typical year, holiday bell-ringing would have provided emergency aid for as many as 200 Los Alamos County residents. 

RE/MAX stepped in to make up the loss. The company advertised online, offered their office as a coin drop-off space, and even matched $2,000 in donations. They even expanded their fundraiser to include the Coins for Christmas coin drive for Self Help, the brainchild of North Mesa resident Rao Garimella. Coins left at RE/MAX alone represented more than $1,000 of the total raised. 

“This fundraiser came at a crucial time for our neighbors, many of whom are struggling to pay bills or start businesses during the pandemic,” said Maura Taylor, the executive director of Self Help. “Even a small donation can literally be life-changing, and RE/MAX has changed so many lives with this fundraiser.” 

“It’s because of this generous community that I can tell Self Help clients ‘yes, we have the funding to get you back on your feet,” Taylor added. “I’m so grateful to be able to do that.”

Self Help, Inc.
Since 1969, Self Help, Inc. has provided advocacy, emergency financial assistance, and seed money grants to residents of Los Alamos, northern Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos counties. Each year, through grants and other contributions, our organization supports those who need help most, during emergencies or in the quest to become economically self-sufficient.