ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — More than 160 volunteers will fan out across Alamogordo and Otero County this Friday, Sept. 18, for Thrive in Southern New Mexico’s annual Day of Caring, a local tradition now in its 36th year.

Volunteers will work on 44 homes throughout the county, according to Michelle Gill of Thrive. Many of this year’s volunteers come from Holloman Air Force Base and several community financial institutions.

“It should be a great day,” Gill said.

Helping neighbors who need a hand

The Day of Caring serves residents who are over 65, have a disability or are veterans. Volunteers handle outdoor work only, including minor yard work, debris removal, painting and tree trimming.

“It just is a great opportunity for people that need a little bit of a helping hand with some yard work and cleanup,” Gill said.

Crews will start at about 8 a.m. and work until around noon. Volunteers will then gather in the atrium at First National Bank to share feedback and enjoy a lunch provided by Thrive.

The program began under United Way and is now run by Thrive. Organizing it takes months of planning. Thrive divides Alamogordo and Otero County into six regions, each with six to eight homes. Zone leaders contact each homeowner and make a visit before the workday so crews arrive with the right equipment.

“It’s quite a feat to get this organized and get people where they’re supposed to be, and to try to take care of as many people as we can within the limited amount of time that we have,” Gill said.

She said the event reflects the strength of community pride in Alamogordo. “Sometimes we get lost in the doom and gloom stories, and there really are great people that are doing great things and making a huge impact in people’s lives,” she said.

Gill asked residents who spot volunteers on Friday to “give them a honk and a wave and let them know that they’re appreciated.”

Corks and Shells returns in October

Thrive’s next big event is the Corks and Shells Wine Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 17, at Alameda Park. Now in its third year, the festival will be held on the third Saturday of October going forward.

Six wineries from around the region will take part. Thrive has capped the number of wineries at six so the event doesn’t become oversaturated and every guest can enjoy the day, Gill said. The festival will also feature food trucks, art and craft vendors, and a paint-in.

Gill said she hopes the festival brings back the feel of the Cottonwood Festival of years past.

Tickets are on sale now and include a wine glass. Guests can sample from the visiting wineries and buy bottles to take home.

How to get involved

Tickets, art and craft vendor sign-ups, and food truck applications for Corks and Shells are available at letsthrivenm.org. Residents interested in volunteering for future Thrive events can fill out the contact form on the website, call 575-437-8400, or visit the Thrive office at 1601 East 10th Street in Alamogordo.

Hear an interview with Michelle Gill and Anthony Lucero at 

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