As the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires continue to displace residents around Las Vegas, New Mexico, students at La Cueva High School are doing what they can to help.
On Monday, La Cueva assistant football coach Kevin Perea drove north to deliver a truck full of supplies to evacuees and fire victims. The school’s cheer team organized the donation drive, and with the help of the football team, were able to get food, water and other supplies loaded into a truck for delivery.
LeeAnn Moores, La Cueva’s athletic director, said she is unsure if the supplies were successfully delivered but remains optimistic. When asked where the supplies were taken, Moores said, “I don’t know exactly because they were in the process of closing the roads down. The reason he [Perea] was able to get in is because he knows one of the state police officers and so they got an escort.”
“It was amazing to witness my community come together in such a short time to support our neighbors who are in great need. I hope that our efforts will make a positive impact on the Mora and Las Vegas community,” said football player Mason Posa.
“Collecting donations was important for us because we were able to give to a community outside of our own,” cheerleader Morgan Fisher said. “We were able to help others and hopefully, we had a positive impact during this difficult time.”
According to InciWeb, the fires have burned more than 145,000 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest northwest of Las Vegas and were 20% contained as of Tuesday morning. Hundreds of residents are being forced to evacuate and are relocating to shelters and other locations across the state.
Information on the New Mexico Highlands University website says residents need socks, underwear, diapers, toiletries, baby formula, cereal, nonperishable foods, Gatorade, dish soap, dog and cat food, and reusable tote bags, among other items.
“It’s always good to give back when people are in a time of need and to get all of the community’s support for a good cause,” football player Aiden Armenta said.
“When a community is in need, you step up and help in any way you can. This is a tragedy for many families and we should all come together to support those in need,” added cheerleader Maycie Robertson.
Other organizations taking donations include the American Red Cross, HELP New Mexico, the Salvation Army, and the Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation. For more information about donations, evacuations, shelters and fire status, visit the NMHU and Santa Fe National Forest websites.
Updated May 3, 2022 at 4:34 p.m.
