Sandia donations benefit New Mexico, California neighbors in need

In partnership with Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union, the Labs hosted its annual Take a Frozen Turkey to Work Day Nov. 14 to collect food and monetary donations for those less fortunate. For the first time, Sandia’s California site also participated.

Turkeys were donated at Sandia by employees, and multiple Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union locations accepted turkeys from credit union members and the public.

The turkeys were transported to Roadrunner Food Bank and other food pantries in New Mexico and to Tri-Valley Haven in Livermore, California. Roadrunner Food Bank is the largest nonprofit dedicated to solving food insecurity in New Mexico. Tri-Valley Haven is a community organization that serves adults and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or homelessness in the Tri-Valley area.

Donations included 270 turkeys and about $5,000 to support the work of Roadrunner Food Bank.

“In New Mexico, one in five kids and one in seven overall are experiencing food insecurity throughout the year and, during the holiday season, this number only continues to rise. Protein is a critical nutritional resource and, unfortunately, regrettably scarce in our state,” said Will Tapia, corporate engagement officer from Roadrunner Food Bank. “These donations from Sandia National Laboratories and Sandia National Laboratory Federal Credit Union are a beacon of hope this holiday season, providing meals for families in need during this pivotal time of the year.”