The University of New Mexico celebrates the global generosity movement known as #GivingTuesday on Dec. 3. Giving Tuesday is a worldwide movement of generosity designed to unleash the power of people and organizations to benefit their communities.
The Holidays are often defined by being naughty or nice – but what if everyone was given the chance to donate? That’s exactly why Giving Tuesday was created: it is a day that encourages all people to do good.
Giving Tuesday made it’s debut in 2012 by a team at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y—a cultural center in New York City. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
The day has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources as a part of the social media collaboration.
Giving Tuesday also provides the campus community an opportunity to donate connecting Lobos, big and small, to a greater cause that aids its community. At UNM there are several ways to get involved and make a difference during the season of giving.
Ways to give
One of the easiest ways to give back to the community is by supporting the annual UNM Gives Campaign, a partnership with United Way of North Central New Mexico (UWNCNM). UWNCNM has a strong impact in the community, working with hundreds of New Mexico partners to improve family stability and access to education across the state. The organization also aligns around a set of shared strategies, which improves outcomes for children, youth, and families.
As a donor, you can choose to give to one of the United Way’s programs or other 501 (c) 3 organizations, including those at UNM, to bring holiday cheer to those in need. Donations can be made online or via paper, and it’s a convenient way for UNM employees to stay involved during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
As our community struggles with various challenges, your support and compassion have never been more critical. The donation portal will be open through Dec. 15. Every contribution and gift counts and will make the holidays a little brighter for some Lobos.
To donate, visit UNM Gives.
Lobo Food Pantry
If a paper or virtual donation isn’t your thing, try your luck with a food donation to the Lobo Food Pantry. The Lobo Food Pantry is seeking physical donations at the end of the year to help keep its shelves full after record-high use again this semester.
The Lobo Food Pantry is always happy to accept donations and volunteers to help keep the Campus Lobo Food Pantry going. The Campus Lobo Food Pantry is run primarily on individual donations of food and toiletries. To make an appointment to donate items or to volunteer, please contact Amanda Martinez at amartinez95@unm.edu or contact LoboRESPECT at 505-277-2911 or email, loborespect@unm.edu, with the subject line “Food Pantry.” Other arrangements, like campus pickup or loading dock drop-off, can be arranged if circumstances necessitate it, but drop-off at the pantry is preferred. If you donate through the UNM Gives campaign, you can also designate your gift to the Lobo Food Pantry.
For more information, visit Lobo Food Pantry.
Little Lobo Holiday Wish Fund
For the second year, the Dean of Students Office, in collaboration with the UNM Children’s Campus and Division of Student Affairs, is encouraging the campus community to come together and make the season a little brighter for our students who are parents of young children through the Little Lobo Holiday Wish Fund (LLHWF).
The goal is to raise $10,000 to provide 100 Lobo families with $100 gift cards. Student parents make up about 22% of college campus populations nationwide with many having to sacrifice their education to provide for their families.
The Little Lobo Holiday Wish Fund aims to ease the burden some of our UNM student parents may feel this time of year. Giving now to the Little Lobo Holiday Wish Fund through Dec. 1 ensures our UNM student parents will have time to purchase that special gift for their little Lobos.
For more information and to donate, visit the Little Lobo Holiday Wish Fund.
UNM Foundation
Of course, another way to donate throughout the year is through the UNM Foundation. Each year, the foundation relies on support from the community to help provide needed funding for Lobos on campus.
The UNM Foundation donates to causes like supplying the Lobo Food Pantry, providing scholarships for students on campus, and funding internships in career fields for students. Annual gifts represent the dynamic interaction of people working together to provide UNM with strong financial support for students.
Individuals can donate in cash, check, or they can give with non-cash items on the UNM Foundations website. There are numerous funds available to choose from to brighten the winter for students and families.
For more information and to learn about ways you can give, visit the UNM Foundation.