Hometown Heroes across New Mexico

Dear Friend,

This pandemic has brought upon some of the most challenging times many of us will ever face. But it has also shown us amazing examples of how we are looking out for each other. I am immensely proud of the people of New Mexico who are demonstrating what it means to rise to this challenge. That includes our health care workers on the front lines of this crisis, small businesses using technology and innovation to meet urgent needs, nonprofit organizations and volunteers providing for their neighbors, and all of us who are following lifesaving public health guidance.

In early April, I launched the Hometown Heroes initiative to shine a spotlight on those who are going above and beyond to serve our fellow New Mexicans. I asked New Mexicans to nominate heroes in their communities. The response has been amazing. Over the last month and a half, I've received hundreds of submissions. It has truly been heartening to see how much good is being done in the face of such daunting times. Let me tell you about just a few of them.

Peggy McCracken of Cuba, N.M.

Peggy McCracken runs the Checkerboard Area Food Pantry, which serves rural areas like Cuba and Gallina, as well as the Navajo communities of Torreon and Ojo Encino. During the COVID-19 crisis, the pantry has provided food to hundreds of families in need. Peggy organized a way to keep the pantry open and get food safely to families by having volunteers bring the packaged items to clients' cars. Because of her dedication, the pantry can continue to providing assistance during this difficult time.

Nico Grayson of Albuquerque, N.M.

Nico Grayson is an 8th grader at Albuquerque's Desert Ridge Middle School, and like every other New Mexico student, he has adjusted to a lot of extra time at home. He decided to use his time away from the classroom to help out his neighbors in need. Nico sent out an email to his neighbors, many of whom are high-risk individuals, to advertise "Nico's Grocery Delivery Service." All his neighbors have to do is email or call with their order, and every Thursday morning he sets out to stores across the city to shop for them. By the afternoon, groceries are safely in his neighbors' hands, free of delivery charge.

Alice Davenport of Las Cruces, N.M.

In Las Cruces, Alice Davenport runs a one-person sewing and alterations shop. Right when the pandemic began, Alice knew that she could put her talent to use by making face masks and donating to the city's essential workers. After giving away dozens of those masks, Alice started to give masks to anybody who might need one to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, or other public places.

These are just a few of the inspiring stories of Hometown Heroes in New Mexico. If you know a hero in your community, please use this form to nominate them. I also encourage you to visit the Coronavirus Resource Center on my website for helpful information about how to stay healthy and find critical support services. And, as always, please don't hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance.

Be well and stay healthy.