Local businesses come together to start holiday giving tree

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Several Albuquerque small businesses are joining forces to spread joy and support local students through a holiday giving tree initiative benefitting four Albuquerque schools: Whittier Elementary School, Wilson Middle School, Highland High School and Hawthorne Elementary School.

Dukes Track Club, Michael Thomas Coffee and Heart & Sole Sports, are aiming to connect community members with local children who could use extra support this holiday season through the kindness of neighbors and power of their social media pages.

“These businesses are invested in the Albuquerque community, they are pillars,” said Arlene Espinoza-Armijo, Dukes Track Club board president. “Their commitment to supporting local families continues to shine.”

Beginning the first week of December, each participating business will host a Giving Tree decorated with tags, each representing a local student. Tags will include a child’s age, gender, shirt, pants, coat and shoe size and a small wish list (2-3 gifts), allowing community members to directly “adopt” a student and purchase gifts and necessities for the holiday season. No identifying details will be shared on the tags.

Organizers will handle wrapping and ensure all gifts is delivered to each school before the holiday break.

To make it easier for the Albuquerque community to stay connected, updates and photos will be shared regularly across Instagram and Facebook. Community members can follow Dukes Track Club Instagram and Michael Thomas Coffee Instagram and Facebook to see when each Giving Tree is ready. Additional details, donation highlights and local shout-outs will appear on Facebook and Instagram throughout December to inspire more participation. Watch for the hashtag #ABQGivingTree to see community participation and help amplify the impact.

Everyone is invited to visit a participating business, pick up a tag, or even host a Giving Tree at their own business to help make a difference in a local student’s life. For more information visit the social media pages of any participating business on Instagram or Facebook.

The Giving Tree Locations: