Copyright © 2023 Albuquerque Journal
It’s never a bad time to help those in need.
New Mexico State University graduate student Hannah Martinez made a plan to help – and achieved some amazing results.
Last semester, Martinez showed up to Jardin de los Niños, a Las Cruces-based nonprofit in Las Cruces with a $2,000 donation along with a trunkload of books.
“I am working on a project for graduation and I chose this project because I’m more of a hands-on person when it comes to stuff like this versus numbers and research,” Martinez said. “I chose to work with Jardin de los Niños, because I really aligned with their mission and I like the kids and family and just wanting to give back and help those who need it.”
Martinez received her Bachelors Degree in Communication Studies at NMSU.
For her project, Martinez’ original goal was raising $1,200 along with 100 books donated, but she surpassed her goal and tripled the number of books to 300.
“Wanting to give back is something that I grew up with so when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for my project, I knew that working with an organization that holds children and families so close to their hearts was going to be the best bet for me,” Martinez said. “I got in touch with Jardin and they gave me a tour and I was thinking about what I wanted to do with the progr
am as it was something that I wanted for my project by raising money.”
Aside from books, Martinez also donated baskets with necessities such as detergent, paper towels, socks, blankets and other household items for families in the Adopt-A-Family program at Jardin de los Niños.Those interested in helping can visit jardinlc.org.
“I think my favorite part is knowing that it’s going to someone who needs it,” Martinez said.”It’s hard for people to ask for help, in more ways than one, whether it’s resources, but for money or supplies, or even the kinds of things, do just being able to give it without anyone asking but knowing that it’s going to be used and people are going to use this is I think my favorite part.”
“The Good News File” is a series of uplifting stories in partnership with KOAT-TV and KKOB Radio. The Journal will publish a “Good News” feature the first Friday of the month, KOAT-TV will present its feature each second Friday and KKOB each third Friday.
