Class is now in session and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) employees have been busy providing students with the school supplies they need to thrive.
For the past 33 years, BCBSNM employees have collected and distributed school supplies through an annual Operation Back to School fundraising initiative. This year, Operation Back to School raised over $8,000 to support students across the state.
“It is imperative that students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Janice Torrez, president of BCBSNM. “This is just one of the many ways BCBSNM employees show their dedication to promoting health and wellness in our communities.”
In late July and early August, BCBSNM employees delivered 725 backpacks filled with spiral notebooks, pencils, scissors, glue, headphones, BCBSNM Blue Bear coloring books and other supplies to the following schools:
- Memorial Elementary (Deming)
- Los Padillas Elementary (Albuquerque)
- Alvis Elementary (Clayton)
- Milan Elementary (Milan)
- Tatum Elementary (Tatum)
In a strong effort to help bridge the gap and assist more areas in need, Operation Back to School has supported Title I schools in New Mexico, with a special focus on rural schools.
“This is one way we’re addressing the financial barrier that some families face in our community,” said Los Padillas Elementary Principal, Cristina Benitez De Luna. “BCBSNM has supported from the very beginning; I’m extremely thankful for the employees who want to give back to their community.”
