ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Lenora Salas Blackbird has been named the 2019 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) Volunteer of the Year. Lenora, a pharmacy operations representative at BCBSNM, volunteers to make an impact for people experiencing homelessness. On Saturdays, Lenora volunteers with Hellfighters Soul Snatchers Unit, a motorcycle ministry that provides food, clothing and shelter to about 500 homeless people each weekend in Albuquerque.
“Seeing a child’s face light up when we hand out coats and toys at Christmas time, giving hot soup and a blanket to someone in 30-degree weather, watching a family move into their first apartment after being on the streets for years, and sharing these amazing stories with my family make it all worthwhile,” said Lenora.
The annual Volunteer of the Year award celebrates a BCBSNM employee who makes a difference in their community. The award also provides employees the opportunity to nominate outstanding coworkers for their volunteerism.
In honor of the award, BCBSNM will donate $1,000 to Lenora’s charity of choice, Hellfighters Soul Snatchers Unit.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with more than 600,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.