For more than 10 years Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., has coordinated an annual mitten tree.
Each year, the community comes together and donates mittens, gloves, blankets, scarves, socks, baby items, and many other needed personal items to help needy individuals in our city. This year, the Branigan Library mitten tree experienced a bountiful success!
At the close of business on Dec. 17, 2021, Branigan Library staff packed up the tree and counted 1,515 items, including mittens, blankets, scarves, masks, socks, and baby clothes. All items will be delivered to La Casa, Inc., Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, and the Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission.
“Library staff were surprised by the number of items, once they finished packing everything up,” said Margaret Neill, Library Administrator, “In 2019, the last year we had the mitten tree up, we collected and donated approximately 613 items. This year, we had more than double that!”
This annual library tradition, which was not able to happen in 2020 due to the pandemic, was a welcome and thoughtful acknowledgment of giving after so many months when the community was not able to physically come together.
“It’s a wonderful tradition,” Neill said, “And I’m glad we were able to bring it back this year and, with the generosity of the community, help so many in need.”
For information, call Thomas Branigan Memorial Library at 575/528-4000. The TTY number is 575/528-4008.
