It is no secret that our state is on fire and that it is quite likely to go on for weeks…and this is just the beginning of the “fire season.” Retake wants to encourage our peeps to do what they can to support our fellow New Mexicans who are being evacuated and could lose their homes. We will update this page as situations change. And they will change, but there is an adaptable system in place through which you can help.

While the largest and most damaging fires are currently in Northern NM, there are also wildfires in most every part of the state, including Cooks Peak north of Ocate, Cerro Pelado in Jemez Springs, and several southern NM fires, which appear to be more under control than fires in the northern part of the state– a least right now. Get up-to-date fire info at https://nmfireinfo.com/. There are numerous local organizations accepting donations across the state, including fire departments, community colleges, churches, news stations, and more. Please check your local newspaper or look online for opportunities to donate goods locally for transport to affected areas. But what follows may be enough for you to target your generosity.

Donate cash…. for hotel stays, food, water, and medicine.

Here are some suggestions from NM Highlands University in Las Vegas, for those impacted by the Calf Canyon/ Hermits Peak fire, which has burned over 160,000 acres, is only 20% contained and with roaring winds, it is growing by the hour. I’ve seen other estimates in the New Mexican, but this estimate is from the link above where current info is available on fires statewide.

Please be cautious about donating to unverified fundraisers; some campaigns are not legitimate fundraising efforts.

To donate cash online:

All Together NM Fund was established by the Governor’s Office in 2020 in conjunction with the New Mexico Coalition of Community Foundations to help the state respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now shifting to direct donations to people affected by the wildfires statewide: https://www.alltogethernm.org/. Donations will go to emergency shelter, food and water distribution, and access to medical supplies.
 
American Red Cross:  https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ 
 
Salvation Army: Contact Karen 360-281-4307 or Daniel Gelemy 360-281-4069.
Donations (food, clothing, hygiene products, pet supplies, etc.) are now located at Calvary Chapel, 2310 7th Street, Las Vegas, NM.
 
Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation Fire Relief for Hermits Peak Fire.
 

Donate goods and supplies

This isn’t the time to empty out your garage of your torn or tattered clothing. What is needed are new supplies and clothing, so consider a Target run and do it right. WE are told that you can drop off supplies at most any fire station and they will be routed to shelters set up near fires, so you don’t need to drive to the shelters, Salvation Armies or Red Cross stations in or near Las Vegas or Jemez Springs. Call your local fire station to confirm their accepting donations of goods and services.

List of immediate donation requests:

• Socks and underwear (all sizes)
• Diapers and Depends (all sizes)
• Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and other toiletries.
• Toilet paper
• Small bottles of Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, allergy medicine
• Feminine products, bras, breast pumps, nursing pads
• Baby formula, baby food, baby wipes, baby soap and lotion
• Combs and brushes
• Laundry detergent and Lysol spray and wipes
• Cereal and individual milk cartons
• Non-perishable foods
• Gatorade/Powerade (sugar-free and regular) Capri Sun and water
• Dish soap
• Disposable bowls, plastic cutlery, foil, paper towel rolls
• Dog and cat food
• Reusable tote bags

Thanks, everyone. As always, please email us at retakeresponse@gmail.com if you have questions, comments, or suggestions. We really do like hearing from you!