Ruidoso, NM — November 2025
In the days leading up to the holidays, when food banks face their heaviest demand, the Rotary Club of Ruidoso and the Ruidoso/Lincoln County Association of REALTORS showed up where it mattered most: on the warehouse floor.
Why Pre-Holiday Volunteer Support Matters
Food banks face a predictable surge before major holidays. Families who might otherwise manage throughout the year often need extra support during holiday seasons when school meal programs pause and household expenses increase. Meeting this demand requires not just food donations, but the physical labor to process, organize, and distribute supplies efficiently.
Margaret Dixson, speaking for Lincoln County Food Bank volunteers, emphasized how critical this support was: "Know how very thankful the volunteers felt when you showed up. During the days prior to holidays the task of stocking shelves, filling boxes, hauling boxes to the front, and assisting with loading is an immense job for the volunteers. Helping hands during this time is appreciated more than you know."
Partnership in Action
The collaboration between Rotary Club of Ruidoso and the local REALTORS association demonstrates how professional organizations can pool resources for community impact. Both groups brought members willing to do the unglamorous but essential work that keeps food distribution operations running smoothly.
This wasn't a photo-op donation drop-off. It was hours of physical labor during the food bank's highest-stress period—the kind of support that allows small volunteer teams to serve significantly more families.
Sustained Community Infrastructure
Food banks are often praised during holiday seasons, but their work continues year-round. Organizations like Lincoln County Food Bank rely on consistent partnerships with civic groups like Rotary to maintain operations through both high-demand and quieter periods.
By showing up with both donations and labor during crunch time, Rotary Club of Ruidoso and the Ruidoso/Lincoln County Association of REALTORS provided the support that makes sustainable food security possible in Lincoln County.
To learn more about Rotary Club of Ruidoso's community service work, visit rotary5520.org. To support Lincoln County Food Bank, contact them directly for donation and volunteer opportunities.