A Season Made Brighter: Gratitude for the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive

The holidays arrived with extra warmth and wonder for hundreds of children served by Las Cumbres this year, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive.

Through this year’s drive, Las Cumbres received more than 900 toys, each one carefully chosen and joyfully shared with children and families across our programs. These gifts directly supported children in our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) program—honoring specific wish requests—and reached many more families served through programs like Conjunto Preschool and other family-centered services.

The variety of toys reflected a deep thoughtfulness: gifts for every age group, interests that sparked imagination, comfort items that brought reassurance, and playful surprises that made eyes light up. For grandparents raising grandchildren, many of whom are stretching limited resources to create joyful holidays, these toys were more than presents—they were moments of relief, gratitude, and shared celebration. For young children in early learning programs, they were symbols of care, belonging, and delight.

Behind every toy was a community coming together—volunteers sorting, donors giving, organizers coordinating at a massive scale—to ensure that children across Northern New Mexico felt seen and remembered. This year’s Toy Drive served a record number of children statewide, and Las Cumbres is deeply honored to be among the organizations trusted to place those gifts into the hands of families who need them most.

To the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive and everyone who made it possible: thank you. Your generosity rippled through our classrooms, family homes, and holiday gatherings. You brought joy into moments that will be remembered long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Because of you, the season was brighter, warmer, and filled with more smiles.