An event in the South Valley not only gave participants the chance to honor those who lost their lives to COVID-19 but also to donate toys and canned food for those in need during the holidays.
“COVID is still going on, people are still suffering, people are still dying,” Steve Guiterrez, whose brother died from COVID-19, told KOB. “But now people can come here and see that we still care for them.”
Family, friends and concerned citizens gathered at Dolores Huerta Gateway Park in the South Valley to light luminarias in honor of those of who have passed. Each luminaria represented a person who died from COVID-19, like Steven Enriquez.
“He was an artist, a New Mexico local artist he loved drawing,” Charles Enriquez told KOB of his brother Steven, who died last year from COVID-19. “He was just the best brother that a brother can have.”
The pandemic has claimed 8,000 New Mexicans, event organizer Victor Carillo told KOB. “That’s the population of Belen,” Carillo said. “We’re here to honor that.”
The toy and canned food drive created a spirit of giving with live music, food and a sense of community. The overall theme was to stay safe and cherish life.
“We’re here to make sure you get vaccinated, make sure you’re taking care of yourself,” Carillo said. “There’s a free health screening. We’re here for you guys and just a way to come together as a community as well, so we have something to celebrate each year.”
