Staff volunteers from both MTC-operated facilities in Chaparral, New Mexico, the Otero County Prison Facility, and the Otero County Processing Center, distributed food to local families in need.

Cynthia Zambrano is an instructor at the Otero County Prison Facility.

“I was happy that they offered me the opportunity to participate in this event,” she says, “to be able to represent our facilities in the Chaparral community. It was a lot of fun. We got to feed a lot of families in need, so it was a very good experience.”

The local Roadrunner Food Bank set up the Yucca Heights Elementary School as a distribution point to get their food to the families who need it, especially in this time of the pandemic. The Otero County facilities were happy to partner with the local school district and Veterans of Foreign Wars organization to help with the event.

“I’m glad to have you guys here,” says Rogelio Maldonado, Sr. Vice Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars New Mexico. “It’s a wonderful partnership that we have with you guys. One thing I’ve always stated, and you’ve heard me say it, is we’re all doing the same thing, but we’re all doing it in small groups. Once we can communicate and all work together it results in a bigger team, and a bigger result.”

Sandra Briones is the finance manager of the Otero County Processing Center. “I think the more we’re involved with the community,” she says, “the more we get to know what’s out there; what organizations we can help. And to put our name out there somewhere in the community as well.”

“I just thank you for your assistance,” explains Deborah Holguin, a social worker with the Gadsden Independent School District.

“With everything that you help us with, with Thanksgiving, with the Christmas situation, coming out here and volunteering for this, the school supplies. Everything that you all do to help us out, we really appreciate it, and it’s very needed. So, thank you.”

Sandra Briones adds her appreciation for the opportunity to be involved.

“I think it’s a privilege, really, to be helping others. And now that you know you’re aware of needy families that are going to be able to benefit from this food bank, I think it’s a privilege for us to be helping out.”