Homeless students' needs are focus of clothing drive
'Lowrider' car enthusiasts turn out to give necessities to less fortunate
'Lowrider' car enthusiasts turn out to give necessities to less fortunate
'Lowrider' car enthusiasts turn out to give necessities to less fortunate
There are some students in Albuquerque public schools who need more than just an education. They need clothes, blankets and other necessities of life, because they are homeless.
Thanks to coordination between several local organizations, including car clubs representing the "lowriding community," a clothing drive event Sunday showed just how much people in Albuquerque want to help out.
A social media post from an Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) counselor got the ball rolling.
Reading that several students at Valley High School, West Mesa High School and Rio Grande High School were unsheltered, Felipe Montoya, leader of Hood Affiliated, contacted Deborah Lovato president of Malakai's Miracles. Lovato got in touch with Chris Chavez of the Superior Car Club, Oscar Guzman of the Old Memories Car Club, and D.J. Sider Esquibel. It all came together after that.
Those who came to the Community Clothing Drive Sunday on Coors Boulevard SW were asked to bring unwanted clothing (including shoes, socks and underwear), personal hygiene products and blankets in tall kitchen-type garbage bags. They were treated to a large display of souped-up classic cars, refreshments, food and music.
"We've received tons and tons of items," Lovato said. "After the event, we will take it back to the warehouse. We will sort it, and distribute it to Rio Grande, West Mesa and Valley high schools."
But their goal was bigger than just that.
"Our number one focus is cleaning up these streets," she said. "We all know our kids are the future, and we need to give them hope. You know, they're struggling really bad."
That sentiment was echoed by Chris Chavez, president of the Superior Car Club.
"The kids are our future, so we like to help out in any way possible," Chavez said. "The biggest thing is to help the homeless, help the less fortunate, make sure the kids are clothed."
APS has its own Community Clothing Bank program to meet the needs of students. To make an appointment to donate, call (505) 248-1873 or email clothing.bank@aps.edu. All students at APS schools (including charter and alternative schools) are eligible to receive services from the Clothing Bank. Referrals must be made by school counselors, nurses, family liaisons, community school coordinators, social workers or any school staff member.