By Nina Anthony | November 26, 2014
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends either here in New Mexico or across the country, the staff of BeyondTaos.com would like to take a moment to say ‘Thank You’ to our BeyondTaos community, near and far. We truly appreciate the positive feedback and comments about our recently relaunched and totally rebranded website that was known for nearly 20 years as TaosWebb.com. We look forward to continuing to provide visitors and locals with timely information about events and news about Northern New Mexico in the coming years.
The northern New Mexico region is rich in beauty, natural resources, art, culture, and a generous spirit. But with paychecks stagnant and funding cuts to government programs that help put food on the table, many among us are struggling to keep their families warm and well-fed. Some lack even the comfort of having a roof over their heads.
Two nights ago, a homeless man nearly died in Taos of hypothermia as temperatures dipped down close to 0 degrees. The Taos Men’s Shelter is in the process of moving and currently not open, so, the man had nowhere to go.
The Taos community is known for rallying together in times of need and efforts have already begun to help keep those without a home warm.
Please join in the effort to gather clean, warm clothing and blankets to give to men and women in need. Shari Weishaar will be onsite in front of the Taos Walmart store from 12 pm to 3 pm, this Saturday, November 29, 2014,to accept donations. She will also be taking monetary donations to purchase gift cards to ensure that the Director of the Men’s Shelter can purchase additional clothing or accessories for the homeless.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can also call Shari at 575.377.5322 and she will arrange for pick up.
Thankfully, Taos County is blessed to have some terrific food distirbution programs that assist families in need during the holiday season and throughout the year including St. James Episcopal Church in Taos, Love Thy Neighbor in Questa, and Shared Table, a food distribution program at El Pueblito United Methodist Church in El Prado with the help of Taos Presbyterian Church and Ranchos de Taos Presbyterian Church. Their bi-weekly food pantry provides food to tens of thousands of local residents annually.
Taos Feeds Taos will distribute food boxes to more than 1200 needy families this year. Visit their website to make a cash donation to help them purchase hams, fruits, vegetables and non-perishable items. Tbey’re also looking for volunteers to help them fill food baskets. If you’d like to volunteer, show up at the Taos National Guard Armory on December 16th and 17th between 9 am and 4 pm. Boxes will be distributed December 18th and 19th.
You can also help support Taos Feeds Taos efforts by attending the 7th Annual Food Drive and Benefit show by local band Last to Know on Saturday, December 6th at Taos Mesa Brewing. Show time is 8 pm. Admission to the show is free with five cans of food or other non-perishable items. Visit the Taos Feeds Taos website to learn about other ways you can help.
The Taos Community Foundation is another way to help. In addition to funding a variety of programs that help people attain, maintain and sustain self-sufficiency, they offer assistance to ensure access to basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
On a personal note, this will be my first Thanksgiving without my husband of 30 years. Despite the pain and sadness I feel, I am grateful for the many Thanksgiving dinners I shared with him. We all have something to be thankful for and I hope that those of us who are blessed to have a warm home and hot meal every day, will share with those who are less fortunate this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Happy Thanksgiving!
