Tis the Season for sharing holiday happiness...

The holiday hustle and bustle is fast approaching. During this time of the year, employees have many ways in which to share their generosity to the many individuals and families who are unable to enjoy the many things we look forward to during this season. Below are the Lab-sponsored programs that are available:

Thanksgiving Food Drive and Take a Turkey to Work Day

It's not about carpooling with an annoying co-worker, instead it's ensuring that families in our communities can celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings. Beginning November 5, employees wil be able to donate non-perishable food items around the Laboratory that will culminate in a frozen turkey collection on November 20. Baskets of food and turkeys will be distributed by San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen for the holiday.

Holiday Gift Giving

If gift shopping and adding that personal touch is your holiday style, you can help a special child, senior, or family by picking up "holiday gift tags" or "adopting a family".

Holiday Gift Tags requesting a particular gift for a child or senior can be picked up from trees around the Laboratory. Laboratory volunteers will collect, wrap, and distribute the gifts just in time to see anticipating faces light up for the holiday.

Traditionally, organizations or groups "adopt" an entire family and collect specific presents for each family member. With a little effort and a big heart this is one of the most rewarding ways to give. Gift tags are now available. The collection deadline is December 13.

LANL Laces

Once upon a time two friends decided that their gifts to each other would be more meaningful if one child had new pair of shoes or boots for the winter. To carry on this sentiment, LANL Laces collects funds for children in Espanola and Santa Fe public schools to provide children in need with shoes and boots to trounce through the snow this winter. JCPenney's and Mervyns are partnering with LANL by providing an easier way to get children the sizes that they need. A donation can be made in any amount at the LANL Cashier's Office.

Now that you have all these options, you are free to choose the one that best suits you. It is guaranteed to make an impact no matter which one you pick.

School Supply Drive

At the beginning of the school year, the Laboratory collects school supplies for distribution to local public schools. Items include crayons, pencils, colored pencils, pens, paper, spiral writing tablets, notebook binders, glue, and round-tip scissors.

Los Alamos Employees' Scholarship Fund-

The Los Alamos Employees Scholarship Fund collects donations from employees, retirees, and subcontractors to support college scholarships for northern New Mexico students.

United Way

We coordinate the Laboratory's annual fundraising drive for United Way, providing a way for employees to join friends, neighbors, and coworkers in support of crucial community service organizations. Each year one in three northern New Mexico residents will use the services of a United-Way supported organization.

Questions? Interested? Email the Community Programs Office at community@lanl.gov, or call 505-665-4400.