Lobo Student-Athletes to Aid Ruidoso Fire Victims, Seeking Donated Items Mon-Wed

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico athletic department will be collecting items to aid the victims of the South Fork and Salt Fires, which have displaced over 10,000 people from Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs.  UNM will send busses to Ruidoso on Thursday with the football team and other student-athletes to not only distribute needed items, but to also work and aid in any way deemed necessary, from helping evacuees pack, delivering items and moving gear and equipment.  The Lobos are partnering with Cumulus Radio stations.

“The fires in the Ruidoso area are devasting,” said Vice President/Director of Athletics Eddie Nuñez. “In talking with our state’s leadership, we want to help in any way that we can.  Our uniforms say New Mexico, and we proudly represent the entire state.  Our friends in Ruidoso need our help, and we are only too happy to show our support and do what we can.  We know they are going to need workers and support personnel to help, as our football team is ready to help.”

Nuñez added, “Collecting items that are needed is a great way for our community to show support for the Ruidoso community. Our fans can drop items off, and our staff and student-athletes will bring everything to Ruidoso to help on Thursday.”

Community members in and around the Albuquerque metro area are asked to help by donating the following needed items:

• Toiletries (toilet paper, paper towels, toothbrushes, etc.)
• Soaps and shampoos
• Cleaning supplies and cleaning paraphernalia

Fans can also donate items like water and canned goods, but the above bulleted items have been deemed the most critical by fire officials and those on scene.

Donations will be accepted in the Stadium West parking lot at the football equipment trailer on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-11 am in the morning and 4-6 pm in the evenings.