ALBUQUERQUE — Every year, employees at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico organize a holiday giving initiative to provide gifts to New Mexicans in need during the holiday season. This year, 15 BCBSNM departments came together to give back to the community.
Machele Mower, a BCBSNM customer service manager, got involved with the initiative several years ago. She said that as a child, she and her family were unable to celebrate the holidays due to their financial situation. Now, as an adult, she enjoys being able to give back.
“There’s nothing like seeing smiles on peoples’ faces when their wishes come true,” Mower said. “I absolutely love the fact that the whole organization comes together as a big team to spread the joy and cheer of the holidays.”
This year’s employee-driven holiday initiative raised thousands of dollars to provide gifts to 20 students experiencing homelessness at Albuquerque’s Mark Armijo Academy, as well as 70 children from Valencia Head Start in Los Lunas. The gift-wrapped presents included toys, clothes, bedding, bikes and gift cards — all items from the students’ wish lists.
“I’ve seen some kids smiling today who don’t usually smile, so I can tell that this definitely brought some joy to their hearts,” said Shawn Morris, executive director of Mark Armijo Academy. “They’re all good kids. I’m so grateful to the employees of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico who blessed our students.”
Additionally, employees from BCBSNM’s sales team donated gifts to 40 long-term residents of Belen Meadows Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Gifts included items on the seniors’ wish lists, such as sweet treats, water tumblers, coffee mugs, sweaters, crossword books and socks.
“During this holiday season, it is our privilege to provide gifts for young people and seniors experiencing hardship,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “We hope our efforts will make the holidays a little brighter for these individuals and their families.”
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is the largest commercial health insurer in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 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.