Local groups work to help out residents

link Tucumcari Police Sgt. Paul Bell, left, and Sgt. Bryan Holmes help students at Tucumcari Elementary

try on a coat provided to them by the Cops and Coats program. Cpl. Kenny Fernandez, not pictured,

Holmes and Bell gave out more than 140 coats on Monday to local children.

By Thomas Garcia

QCS Senior Writer

Many folks give thanks this time of year for what they have, although many area organizations are working to make sure local residents have something for which they can be thankful.

On Monday, the Tucumcari Police Department held its third annual Cops and Coats program at Tucumcari Elementary School.

The event provides coats to children to ensure they are prepared for the cold of the winter season. This year, more than 140 youngsters received a coat.

The children can sign up, or are referred to the program that provides a new winter coat free of charge, said Sgt. Bryan Holmes, event coordinator.

Holmes, Cpl. Kenny Fernandez and Sgt. Paul Bell met with children in need at the school cafeteria. The officers then helped each child pick out a coat and also gave out donated gloves, scarves and other winter clothing.

“The items that are donated are appreciated and we make sure to give them out to all the kids that we can,” Fernandez said.

Bell said the program gives the kids something they need. The children’s appreciation for the coat is a bonus, he added.

Holmes said money for the coats comes from donations to the program. He said no city funds are used for the purchase; it is a community-funded program.

“We appreciate any donation we can get,” Holmes said. “This is our third year and it continues to grow each year.”

Holmes said if someone knows of a child in need of a coat, he or she can contact the Tucumcari Police Department.

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The First Baptist Church in Tucumcari not only wants to make sure people have a Thanksgiving meal they are provide transportation to their event so no one is alone on the holiday.

The church’s 24th annual Thanksgiving Dinner is open to the public and will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Nov. 26 at the church, on the corner of South Adams Street and East Center Street. If someone is homebound because of health issues, the church will deliver a meal to a resident in town. For more information, appointments for a ride or meal delivery, contact 575-461-2724.

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The Knights of Columbus held a “turkey and ham” cake walk Sunday at their hall on 208 East Main Street in Tucumcari.

The event gave people an opportunity to participate in the walk at a cost of $1 for a turkey or ham and 50 cents for a side/dessert that can be prepared for Thanksgiving.

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This Tuesday, the Saint Anne’s Youth Group will deliver two Thanksgiving meal baskets to two local veterans who are undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation clinic in Albuquerque, said Amy Gutierrez, youth leader.

Gutierrez said the members of the youth group raised and donated $150 to purchase the items for the baskets. She said the baskets will be taken to Albuquerque ahead of the holiday so they can be prepared for the veterans.

If you have/know an upcoming holiday event/program that helps and is open to the public, contact Thomas at the Quay County Sun at 575-461-1952 or [email protected].