Le Chantilly Fine Pastries and the Flying Star Café locations on Rio Grande, Paseo and Juan Tabo will offer donation boxes as part of the Adopt-a-Family Gift Drive.

Sponsored by the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), the gift drive will run through from now until Tuesday, Dec. 13.

“This is a great opportunity for Albuquerque residents to help create a happier Christmas for children who may otherwise receive nothing,” Carla Sonntag, president of the NMBC told the New Mexico Sun. “Although this year has been challenging for many, we believe that the community can still come together to support those who are less fortunate.”

The NMBC is partnering with Rebound New Mexico on this initial drive.  All gift donations should be new and unwrapped, to give parents the opportunity to wrap the presents and the children the enjoyment of unwrapping them. 

According to the NMBC, families have been preselected based on income and current living conditions.  “We compiled a list of the children’s ages and wishes (under $30 each) and have made the list available to donors wishing to help bless a child this year.”

Rebound New Mexico is also accepting cash donations so that they can purchase gifts for the children on the list.

The New Mexico Business Coalition aims to “make New Mexico a better place to live and work by seeking reasonable laws, regulation and leadership that will promote job creation and allow businesses to grow.”

Rebound New Mexico was founded in 2009 to support the community and enrich the lives of New Mexicans. It does charitable outreach and aims to break the cycle of generational poverty in New Mexico by working with neighborhood organizations, individuals, businesses and public entities. Carla Sonntag is also the president of this organization.