INTERFAITH LOS ALAMOS NEWS RELEASE

Los Alamos did it again. It was amazing. This community has such a big heart.  Interfaith Los Alamos had over 150 coats to deliver to Lutheran Family Services the Monday right before Thanksgiving, and they said they’d try to get them distributed before that Thursday.. There were also $800 of gift cards delivered as well. We think that is a record and an amazing turn out in these times of need everywhere.

We sincerely thought this would be the wrap up to our connection with Lutheran Family Services, but David Israelevitz (who was instrumental in making this last collection possible) is willing to continue with us next summer to do school supplies and backpacks again. And Kate Massengale plans to participate more next year.  Anyone interested in volunteering with any task is encouraged to contact Kate at 505-795-4353 or kmasseng@unm.edu.

We live in uncertain times, and when that feeling of uncertainty reaches a threshold, humans respond bu  scapegoating, making groups “the other” to be hated or banned. Scapegoating has never actually helped any situation and is certainly against Jesus’ teachings. The rise of Antisemitism and anti-immigrant feelings in America (a country made up primarily of immigrants) creates deep sadness in many of us. I know I feel compelled to continue this work precisely because of the behavior of so many of our beloved citizens who mistakenly want to believe all our problems here in America are caused by “someone else” – not us.  We are in this life together, all of us. And you show us that love and compassion in giving.

Thank you for having such open and giving hearts. And thank you to the churches that hosted boxes: Bethlehem Lutheran, the Unitarian Church, Trinity on the Hill, Crossroads  Church,  White Rock Presbyterian and White Rock United Methodist. And thanks to all the people who filled those boxes with coats and donated gift cards.  We’re so thankful, and so is Lutheran Family Services and the Refugees getting coats this winter.