Sara Barakat, public affairs intern for Intel New Mexico. (Intel)

Intel New Mexico supported seven organizations this holiday season to help provide gifts and needed items to children, families, and individuals in the local community.

“One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing the impact workers at the New Mexico site can make in the community, especially during the holiday season and as the weather gets colder,” said Raquel Leon, Intel New Mexico’s external affairs manager.

According to Intel, this is an annual volunteer event at Intel’s Rio Rancho site, and this year, workers at the site sponsored nearly 200 individuals from organizations focused on supporting low-income seniors, women and families, children, adults with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ youth. Many of these organizations are in Rio Rancho and serve the surrounding areas, including Rio Rancho Public Schools and Haven House.

Volunteers purchased gifts and other needed items, including basic winter clothing. All items purchased were based off of a wish list from families in need.

When Intel employees volunteer their time with initiatives like this, they also generate volunteer hours, which could be matched by the Intel Foundation. This further supports these organizations, who may receive a $10 match for each hour an Intel employee volunteers with them.

Intel has innovated and invested in New Mexico for 42 years and has an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion, based on 2019 data.

Over the past five years, Intel, the Intel Foundation, and Intel employees have given more than $6.7 million to support New Mexico schools and nonprofits, and Intel New Mexico employees have also volunteered more than 85,575 hours since 2017, helping to address important community needs.