Scene from Operation Bandana New Mexico product distribution in Cuba. Courtesy photo
Scene from Operation Bandana New Mexico product distribution at Smith Lake Chapter. Courtesy photo
Scene from Operation Bandana New Mexico product distribution at Sandia Pueblo. Courtesy photo
Operation Bandana New Mexico News:
Laura M. Montoya, Operation Bandana New Mexico and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 953, in collaboration with the National Guard traveled to two Pueblos and 20 Navajo Chapters to deliver donated supplies in Sandoval, McKinley and San Juan Counties during a two-day trip.
Medical supplies were delivered to five hospitals and one assisted living facility in Ground Zero territory. Fabric and elastic were delivered to the Veterans Helping Veterans Sewing Angels and the Gallup Sewing Circle to Fight COVID-19 in Gallup as well as another sewing crew in Farmington. Hundreds of hand sanitizer were given to Chapters by the Operating Engineers.
Items distributed:
2,200 lbs of beans
11.5 pallets of water
1 pallet of feminine products
1 pallet of adult diapers
2 pallet of baby diapers and wipes
1 pallet of hygiene items
1.5 pallets of animal feed and dog food
3/4 pallets of flour (about 250 lbs)
1/2 pallet of rice (about 150 lbs)
750 face shields
160 lbs of oranges
50 lbs of limes
5 pallets of watermelons
15 pallets of mixed produce
5 cases of bananas
1/2 pallet of medical supplies
.5 pallet of cleaning supplies (bleach, clorox wipes, disinfectant, dish detergent, laundry detergent, sponges, rags, etc)
5 pallets of canned goods (veggies, fruits, meats, soups, baby food, etc)
2 pallets of dry goods (pasta, cookies, popcorn, chips, etc)
1/2 pallet sugar
300 decontamination kits
1300 cloth face masks
365 surgical wrap masks (N90-Fibs)
300 surgical
“The reality is that this is a band-aid to the inequities that many native communities face in not having clean, drinking water, food or access to affordable healthcare. Many chapters have approximately 20-50 homes that still do now have running water,” said Laura M. Montoya, candidate for Congress in District 3. “I’m so thankful for all the donations that people were willing to give from the kindness of their heart. The need is greater than what we have been able to do but we will continue our efforts because helping one another is our responsibility.”
“This statewide effort is quickly becoming a nationwide effort as people step up to help New Mexicans and the tribal communities who are impacted by this pandemic five times worse than other communities,” said Robin Thomson Carrillo Ortiz, founder of Operation Bandana New Mexico.
The first trip had two National Guard tractor trailers. The need was much greater and with the assistance of volunteers and donors, four tractor trailers were utilized to transport items. Thanks to a collaboration across local and tribal government leaders, there are now several donation locations available in Albuquerque, Española, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Taos and a shipping-only location at Buffalo Thunder to accept donations from anywhere in the world.
There is still so much need and therefore a third transport in mid June is planned.
To donate or contribute to this effort, visit facebook or OperationBandanaNM.com.
