On December 5, the Las Cruces community came together in support of Jardin de los Niños at our annual Chile Holiday Celebration. I wanted to thank everyone who attended the event, because the revenues will go a great distance in helping Jardin maintain fiscal sustainability. It was a great event. However I failed.
I failed to recognize what is perhaps the most valuable group of people who tirelessly volunteer to assist our children daily. I failed to recognize the fabulous group of volunteers who—along with manager Madie Zolto—make La Tienda de Jardin the most valuable asset to Jardin de los Niños. During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the volunteers of La Tienda logged in 7,228 hours. With the approximate value at $19.97 per hour, that amounts to $142,897.50 in services. If that were not enough, La Tienda brings in over $130,000 in revenue annually from sales in clothing and accessories. For me to fail to recognize this enormous benefit to our kids at Jardin is inexcusable and unforgivable.
If any of you have the opportunity to visit this wonderful group of volunteers at La Tienda, or if you happen to see them about town, please give them your thanks for supporting homeless and near homeless children in Southern New Mexico. And, rest assured, I will not fail to recognize and thank this marvelous group ever again.