Rio Rancho steps up for fire victims with piles of donations

Last week, Rio Rancho sent aid to Ruidoso to aid the victims of the South Fork and Salt fires that have devastated the community.

Previously, a call for donations had been set out from the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and Edit House Productions, LLC. On Friday, June 28, those supplies were loaded up and delivered to Ruidoso.

"It's hard to correctly quantify the collected items, but the support we received was overwhelming," said Ed Smith, founder, president and owner of Edit House and point person of the donation drive.

However, the donation list included at least eight pallets of water, approximately 1,000 pounds of dog food, 200 pounds of cat food, new clothing, pillows, about 300 bottles of hand sanitizer, hygiene items, toothbrush kits, towels, blankets, bedding and a portable washing machine. Smith said that the Fiesta de Taos held a collection drive and representatives, including Queen Maye Marquis Sarah Lillian Montoya and her court, brought two pickup trucks and an SUV loaded with water, dog food and other items from Taos as well.

"We've spearheaded a number of efforts over the years, but it always amazes me how much people are willing to give when people are in need," Smith said.

Donations were picked up from donation drop sites of Sandia Area Credit Union, Brew Lab 101 and the chamber office before supplies were loaded at Edit House, where Mayor Gregg Hull, Fire Chief James De Fillippo, members of the Rio Rancho Fire Department and Rio Rancho Police Department and 20 volunteers. Transportation to Ruidoso was provided by American Resotration Water and Fire.

"The people of New Mexico are more than just residents of a state; we are a family," Smith said. "When one of us is in need, we all pull together. This outpouring of support for the Ruidoso fire victims is a testament to our collective strength and compassion."