Annual Hope for the Holidays giveaway returns Nov. 24 at NMSU’s Pan American Center parking lot.

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Casa de Peregrinos and Nusenda Credit Union will distribute 6,500 Thanksgiving meal boxes during the annual Hope for the Holidays turkey giveaway on Monday, Nov. 24, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Pan American Center parking lot on the NMSU campus.

Nusenda is serving as the title sponsor for the second consecutive year.

“We want to provide a festive holiday meal for families during this difficult time. Clients have been facing fear and uncertainty about the SNAP situation for weeks, and we want to bring some joy to their Thanksgiving,” said Lorenzo Alba Jr., executive director of Casa de Peregrinos. “This is one of the most cherished programs CdP provides, allowing families to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday without having to worry about the cost.”

Alba said demand continues to exceed supply.

“In these challenging days for many of the families we serve, we only wish we could do more. It is hard to have to turn a family away from this distribution. Although we have surpassed our own goals, there is more need,” he said.

Each box is expected to include a turkey, a 5-pound bag of potatoes, stuffing, corn, green beans and other holiday essentials as available. Casa de Peregrinos began distributing turkeys in 1979, when it handed out 100 birds.

Thanksgiving baskets are also being distributed to rural communities across Doña Ana County, including the organization’s new satellite pantry in the village of Hatch.

Additional corporate sponsors include Advocate Healthcare, Jaynes Construction, MountainView Regional Medical Center, Souder Miller and Associates, HB Construction and Fortify Building Solutions.

“We are so proud to partner with Casa de Peregrinos once again to bring hope to the table this holiday season,” said Michelle Dearholt, president and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union. “This partnership reflects the heart of who we are, working together to ensure families across our community feel cared for and supported during this special time of year.”

For more information, contact Casa de Peregrinos at 575-523-5542 or reach Executive Director Lorenzo Alba Jr. or Deputy Director Bianca Menchaca through the organization’s main office.