Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) made holiday donations to community groups and organizations across the state, including deliveries to seniors, families, tribal communities and veterans.
“We invest in our communities and families to make an impact on the health and social challenges facing our state,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “This year it was crucial to extend resources and provide support to our community during the holiday season. We value our community partnerships as we continue to extend our reach in helping New Mexicans.”
In Albuquerque, BCBSNM employees participated in an employee-driven fundraising campaign to collect donations for veterans. Employees delivered the items to the group of veterans in the northeast heights, and donations included furniture, towels, clothing, gifts, and other household and personal items that they requested through a wish list.
In Rio Rancho, BCBSNM donated holiday food to the Broadmoor Senior Center for seniors to participate in a special cooking class and learn to prepare a holiday meal of honey baked ham, Hawaiian potato salad and hot cocoa. More than 80 seniors enjoyed the holiday lunch.
“BCBSNM is sponsoring the cooking demonstration and food for our gift exchange,” said Emery Riego De Dios, director of Broadmoor Senior Center in Rio Rancho. “With the pandemic, we want to encourage seniors to get out to grocery shop and do their own cooking at home. It will be beneficial not only to their health, but also to get them out and active again.”
In southeastern New Mexico, BCBSNM donated more than 600 Christmas stockings to 12 senior centers in Otero, Chaves, Quay, Curry and Roosevelt counties. The stockings included items such as socks, toothbrushes, sewing kits and a craft ornament.
Additionally, BCBSNM employees selected Silver Horizons as a recipient for their holiday giving campaign.
Silver Horizons’ mission is to provide critical help to low-income seniors with food, utilities, and home repairs and retro fits. Each month, these services assist approximately 4,000 seniors.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with 680,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.