A Community Triumph: Three Partners Unite for Runner’s Refuge Alamogordo

This past Saturday Alamogordo, the street by St. John’s Episcopal Church buzzed with energy. Cars pulled in steadily, trunks filled with canned goods, bags of rice, and boxes of pasta. Volunteers smiled with a wagon and hurried to unload donations, their laughter and teamwork setting the tone for what would become one of the most successful food drives the area has seen in November.

At the heart of this effort were three partners: Community Power New Mexico, Otero County People 4 Democracy, and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Together, they had set out to support Runner’s Refuge, a local nonprofit known for serving hot meals and offering essential services to Alamogordo’s most vulnerable residents.

The Partnership

Community Power New Mexico brought its organizing strength, rallying neighbors with the message that solidarity is the backbone of change.

Otero County People 4 Democracy mobilized volunteers and spread the word across social networks, ensuring the drive reached every corner of the community.

St. John’s Episcopal Church opened its doors and its facilities transforming its space into a hub of generosity.

The Drive

By the end of the day, tables overflowed with food. Families arrived with children eager to hand over their contributions, while seniors dropped off carefully packed boxes. The atmosphere was more than charitable—it was celebratory.

Runner’s Refuge was excited to hear of donations piled up. For them, this wasn’t just food; it was hope. With shelves stocked, they can continue serving hot meals and access to those who need it most.

The Success

The drive exceeded expectations, for the Runner’s Refuge’s pantry.  Volunteers reported that donations came not only from Alamogordo residents but also from neighboring towns, proving that compassion knows no boundaries.

For the three partners, the success was a testament to what happens when organizations unite around a common cause. “We knew the need was great,” one organizer reflected, “but the response from the community was even greater.”

The story of this food drive is more than a one-day event—it’s a reminder of the power of partnership. Community Power New Mexico, Otero County People 4 Democracy, and St. John’s Episcopal Church showed that when groups come together, they can transform generosity into lasting impact. Runner’s Refuge now stands stronger, ready to continue its mission of feeding both body and spir

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