Volunteers at Self Help’s Volunteer Appreciation lunch at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church February 18, 2025
L to R: Linda Zwick (Board Chair), Kacy Hopwood (Board Member), Cathy Walters, Kristy Ortega (back), Felicia Archuleta-Toya (front, Board Member), David Chamberlin (back), Mary Venable, John Baille, Nereida Ortiz, Jennifer Moss, Nileena Velappan, Leslie Wallstrom (Past Board Chair)

You probably heard bells ringing while shopping at Smith’s grocery stores in Los Alamos or White Rock last December. Thanks to thirty-seven dedicated volunteers and numerous generous community members who donated coins and cash to the kettles, nearly $11,000 was raised through this annual fundraiser, which Self Help organizes in partnership with the Salvation Army.

Self Help’s Executive Director, Diane Smogor, reported the campaign results at a bell ringer appreciation breakfast on February 18 at the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos. The funds raised during the Red Kettle campaign enable Self Help to assist Los Alamos County residents needing help with rent or utility bills during challenging times, allowing them to remain in their homes. For example, when an elderly couple living on a fixed income faced health challenges, they fell behind on some bills. Thanks to this fund, they received help to catch up on their utility payments and get back on track.

Self Help is incredibly grateful to the many compassionate community members who make this fundraiser possible.