Todd Urbatsch, Self Help, Inc. Board Member & Volunteer Bell Ringer. Courtesy photo

McKenzie Gerlicher in her festive bell ringing gear outside of Smith’s in Los Alamos. Courtesy photo

Kristy Ortega from RE/MAX, left, and Dolores (Dody) Richardson attend the bell ringers volunteer appreciation breakfast February 16 at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. Courtesy photo

SELF HELP NEWS RELEASE

During this past holiday season, volunteer bell ringers in Los Alamos and White Rock raised nearly $14,000 through the red kettle fundraiser, a collaboration between Self Help, Inc. and the Salvation Army.

Self Help’s Executive Director Diane Smogor reported results from the campaign at a bell ringer appreciation breakfast on February 16, held in conjunction with LAVA (Los Alamos Volunteer Association) at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. “The outpouring of community support for this fundraiser is amazing. The 41 volunteers who rang bells for more than 250 hours are so invaluable!  We were thrilled to once again partner with LAVA and the Smiths grocery stores in Los Alamos and White Rock during the holiday season to raise funds for individuals who lack critical needs, such as safe housing,” said Smogor. Self Help taps into these funds throughout the year to provide immediate relief to Los Alamos County residents who need a hand-up with a rent payment, housing deposit, utility bill, or other basic needs.

Interested in volunteering? Our 2023 bell ringing season is nine months away but it is not too early to sign up. Visit Self Help’s website, call 505-662-4666 or email contact@selfhelpla.org to learn more about current volunteer opportunities.