United Way Program Serving Thousands: 10-2-20
The United Way of Eddy County has released an update on its donations over the past six months. New programs include the Emergency Relief for Families program, the Emergency Relief for Non Profits program and the Project Feeding Families Program. The United Way has served 358 local families over the past few months with emergency relief and provided more than $73,000 in grants to nonprofits. More than 2,300 families were served through Project Feeding Families. Roadrunner Food Distribution for August and September assisted 184 Carlsbad families and 100 Artesia families and provided a total of about 20,000 pounds of food.
Thanks to the United Way for doing such a great job. If you have any ideas or questions, United Way Executive Director Linda Dodd can be reached at (575) 887-3504 or director@uweddyco.org.
Thank you as well to Diane Ventura, Field Representative for Senator Heinrich, for her and the Senator’s assistance with procuring 600 gowns for Lakeview Christian Home. Lakeview is battling the spread of COVID-19, and this donation will be a tremendous assistance.
Early Friday morning, this community lost a local hero, Zach Young. Zach and his family have been leaders in the effort to make people aware of brain tumors and their risks. Zach had been battling a brain tumor since a diagnosis in 2015. Community members came out in force to help Zach celebrate his birthday on Aug. 6 with a drive by parade. For many years, Zach’s family members have been holding walks, marches and other events to get word out about education and prevention. The awareness they created will help prepare others for many years to come. We offer our condolences to Zach’s family and friends, but we also thank Zach for delivering such an uplifting message to our community for so long.
The governor did not announce changes to the state’s public health order that would ease restrictions on businesses or schools during her press conference on Thursday. She did site a continual post Labor Day spike in positive cases, hospitalizations and rapid responses. All regions in the state were showing an increase in cases again, according to the state, and “rapid responses” in Lea, Eddy and Curry Counties were especially high.
We fully recognize the seriousness of COVID-19, both in our own community and across the nation. However, the impossible challenges created by an online-only educational system, one in which internet and parental resources are often limited, are continuing to magnify. Too many students are falling through the cracks, and it is not clear how this educational crisis will be resolved.
You have also likely heard the news that President Trump and his wife, Melania, have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Please pray for the President and First Lady for a quick recovery, and pray for our own residents and neighbors who are battling this virus as well.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway