Celebrate the holidays as we celebrate the end of our
year-long 25th Anniversary celebration.

Thanks for celebrating our 25th Anniversary with us all year long! It’s been a blast – and so have the past 25 years. You’ve all made it possible - the Rockhounds, the Beaders, the Wholesalers, the Treasure Hunters, the Kids, the Carvers, the Metaphysicians,  and all those who love Mother Earth’s beauty.

Together, we've given over $10,250 to 27 community organizations, donated 48 volunteer hours, and awarded over $4,823 in Raffle and Sweepstakes Prizes. (Plus, we’ve had great sales.) 

Come celebrate with us the Finale to our 25th Anniversary.

Giving Back in December: Support Through the Holidays

In the spirit of support for the holidays, in December Mama's Minerals will be donating to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), premiering our "It Gets Better" video, providing ideas on using stones to counter holiday stress, and offering you a list of community support services.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Because mental illness impacts the lives of at least 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 10 children – 60 million Americans – NAMI works every day to save every life. NAMI is America's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

NAMI’s signature programs include Family-to-Family, a free 12-week course for family members, partners, friends, and caregivers of someone living with a mental illness. Peer-to-Peer is a free class aimed at educating those living with mental illness on its aspects, possible triggers, and strategies to prevent relapse. (The holidays are a good time for all of us to look for those triggers.) In Our Own Voice, a presentation outlining their personal journeys, is given by people living with mental illness at inpatient hospitals and organizations such as the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. NAMI also sponsors talks by national leaders in the field of mental illness, most recently the keynote address at Albuquerque Mayor Berry’s summit on bettering our community.

For more NAMI support groups and resources, please see our Mental Health Resource List below. 

Because NAMI is an all volunteer organization, every cent goes towards their mission of support, education and advocacy.  NAMI Walks raise money and awareness about America’s need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. We invite you to form a team for Albuquerque’s walk on May 19, 2012 or click here to put together a NAMI walk team in your community.

Visit the national NAMI website to find out how you can make a difference.

NAMI New Mexico

NAMI Albuquerque

"It Gets Better" Video Project

The It Gets Better video project was started in response to a number of students committing suicide as a result of bullying. The project is aimed at using testimonial videos to let Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) youth know that despite what they may be going through at school, it does get better.

The It Gets Better Project has turned into a worldwide movement, inspiring more than 30,000 user-created videos viewed more than 40 million times to date. Videos have been submitted from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities, including President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Adam Lambert, Anne Hathaway, Colin Farrell, Matthew Morrison of "Glee," Joe Jonas, Joel Madden, Ke$ha, Sarah Silverman, Tim Gunn, Ellen DeGeneres, Suze Orman, the staffs of The Gap, Google, Facebook, Pixar, the Broadway community, and now Mama’s Minerals.

Each of these videos changes a life, and we hope that our new Mama’s Minerals It Gets Better video will do the same. Pass this video on to anyone you may know who struggles with bullying and let them know that they are not alone.

"Stones for the Holidays"

The holidays give us a chance to tap into the power of stones and let them support us when our emotions are running high. Stress, joy, anxiety, anger, expectations, fear and depression are all emotions that bubble to the surface when families come together. Stones can not only help you to cope, but can also help those around you to cope as well...

Read more

Resource List for Mental Health Support

This holiday season, we want everyone to feel like there is someone they can turn to in a time of need. Holiday blues happens to the best of us, and no one has to be alone in their struggle. Whether you need someone to talk to, or know someone who does, this list offers many resources that are available 24 hours a day.

Depression:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
1-800-950-NAMI

NAMI Albuquerque
(505) 553-0227
Connections Support Group: Monday, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Family Support Group: Tuesday, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
6001 Marble NE, Suite 7
Albuquerque, NM 87110

Depression, Bi-Polar Support Alliance      
      
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1 (800) 273-TALK

Hopeline Network
1 (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)

Agora Crisis Center (Albuquerque)
(505) 277-3013
Walk in clinic  Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
1820 Sigma Chi Rd.
Albuquerque, NM 87131

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

Military One Source
Many, many resources for members of the armed fources and their families
Hotline: 1-800-342-9647

United Way of Central NM


Grief:

The Dougy Center / National Center for Grieving Children and Families

Griefnet                                      


LGBT Outreach:

Albuquerque Pride

The Trevor Project

Matthew’s Place

Transgender Resource Center of NM

PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
PFLAG Albuquerque


Domestic Violence:

NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Phone: 505-246-9240
Fax: 505-246-9434

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women
1-888-7HELPLINE (1-888-743-5754)

Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico
1-888-811-8282

Morning Star
Advocacy for Native American Women
6001 Marble NE, Ste. 15
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Phone: (505) 232-8299
Fax: (505) 268-0622
Toll Free: 800-658-6967

Women's Community Association
Shelter and services for victims of domestic violence
Crisis Line: 505-247-4219
PO Box 25363, Albuquerque, NM 87125
Fax: 505-224-9695

Second Chances
505-265-9233


Addiction:

Albuquerque AA: Meetings Schedule

Metropolitan Assessment & Treatment Services (MATS)
(505) 468-1555

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon/Alateen
For over 55 years, Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers.

National Association of Lesbian and Gay Addiction Professionals

National Council on Problem Gambling

Narcotics Anonymous

Sex Addicts Anonymous

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

Sexual Recovery Institute
For women sex addicts

Freedom You Addiction Center

Giveaways / Raffles

December 2011: Our Anniversary Finale Month

For our 25th Anniversary Year, we are committed to giving back to all of you, our valued customers. This will be a year filled with exciting contests and giveaways, with treasures from Mother Earth to suit every taste.

Visit our Online, Albuquerque or Santa Fe stores, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for all the details throughout the year.

December Raffle: Win One of Three Great Prizes!

Over $500 in Giveaways

1 - CoinMaster Pro Metal Detector - Valued at $279.99

2- Lortone 3A Rock Tumbler Package - Valued at $124.95

3- Large Orthoceras Fossil Plaque - Valued at $105

 

  Enter the Raffle online here.

No purchase necessary. One entry per customer - entries accepted through December 31, 2011.
 

Share our Facebook page with friends and family to give them a chance to win!

Also, follow us on Twitter for contests, discounts, event notifications, and much more!

Rock Bottom 25th Anniversary Deals

Every month in 2011, we will be offering special discounts and savings to all of you, our valued customers.  Stay updated on how to get the most bang for your buck through our web site, Facebook and Twitter.

December 2011: Online, Albuquerque and Santa Fe store specials:

Save big during December as part of Mama's Anniversary Finale Month celebration.

Discounts available at MamasMinerals.com and at our Albuquerque and Santa Fe stores. Selection varies by location.

Browse our December online sale specials.

15% off Fluorescent Lamps & Minerals

20% off Glass Beads

40% off Aragonite Lamps & Carved Animals

50% off Magnifier with Tweezers

50% off Cultured Turquoise Beads

50% off Clear Quartz Spheres

Up to 50% off Select Amethyst Cathedrals

60% off Amethyst Tubes & Mantle Pieces

75% off All Synthetic Amber Beads

$7.99 Carved Animals - were $11.99 to $13.99

Save $100 on Select Metal Detectors - Prizm 5G, Prizm 6T

FREE Accessories with the purchase of a MXT, MXT Pro, Spectra Vx3, Spectra V3i Metal Detector

SAVE $100 - Now $199.95 - V3i Wireless Headphones - regularly $300

Now $66.95 - NiMH Charging System (works with V3i, Vx3, MXT, MXT Pro, & DFX) - regularly $134.85

Save $100 - Now $499.99 - Whites QXT Metal Detector, Discontinued - was $599.99

Save $200 - Now $699.99 - Whites XLT Metal Detector, Discontinued - was $899.99

NOTE: Not combinable with other sales, discounts or coupons

Selection Varies by Store - Excludes Sale Items, Consignment and Gift Certificates

Subscribe to Mama's Mondays and Save up to 50% on newly-discounted items every week.

Offers are good while supplies last, and expire weekly. You can order online and pick up at our Albuquerque store.

Discounts vary by store - not all discounts available in all stores.

Our Previous"Giving Back" Recipients:

 In celebration of a prosperous New Year, Mama's Minerals donated a percentage of our previous months' sales to various community-based and charitable groups.  Here are some of the organizations that have received funds from us:

New Mexico Gold Miners Association

Albuquerque Metal Detector Association

Valencia County Metal Detector Club

New Mexico Treasure Hunters Association:

Pull tabs are the bane of every metal detectorist. But the members of the NM Treasure Hunters Association use their own unique brand of alchemy to turn them into a little bit of gold for the Ronald McDonald House of NM - by donating them for recycling.

Gold Prospectors Association of New Mexico

These prospectors are big supporters of Los Griegos Community Center, raising $2,000 worth of food for the Los Griegos community food boxes in 2010 alone, and $300 worth of school supplies. They encourage everyone to visit and support Los Griegos Community Center and its many community programs.

Food from GPANM members at Los Griegos Community Ctr.

Bead Society of New Mexico:

Founded in 1984, The Bead Society of New Mexico has grown to more than 175 members.  Dedicated to the study, discussion, and exchange of information about beads and beadwork, they share their knowledge through educational programs, workshops, their newsletter and web site.  BSNM also gives a great deal back to the community through their volunteer work at BeadFest Santa Fe, the Fiber Arts Fiesta, and by managing the jewelry division of the New Mexico State Fair.  They support the Bead Museum of Glendale, AZ, and donated more than 60 bead and jewelry-related books to local libraries in 2010.

One of their important works is supporting Tzutuhiles, a women's cooperative of beading artists in Guatemala, whose beadwork enables them to buy food, get medical care, and send their children to school. By holding several events, BSNM sent them $845 and huge box of seed beads donated by members.

This work has inspired Mama's Minerals to make Tzutuhiles our third group to receive funds from our February sales.  We hope that we can contribute further by selling their artwork in our stores, and we'll let you know as soon as we do.  Check back on our web site.

To join the BSNM visit:  BSNM Membership

Bead Mavens:

Begun 15 years ago as a beading group that grew to 100 members, the Bead Mavens have evolved into a beading bee that meets twice monthly to bead, share ideas and talk.  Their passion is to make beading accessible to beaders of all levels. To join the fun, call 299-8663.  See their current class schedule here.

This vibrant group not only managed the jewelry artist display/competition at the NM State Fair for seven years, they are also an active part of their local and international communities.  Currently, they are working with the Blue Star Moms to send beaded ornaments to the young women and men serving in our military.  

They are also actively engaged with the Beaded Iris, to raise money for Dannette Villarreal's medical bills. Dannette, Mama's Minerals first employee and a beloved friend of the beading community, has been valiantly surviving cancer.  The Bead Mavens, BSNM, Mama's Minerals, and others have stepped in to help with the high medical costs that have burdened Dannette and her family.  

To donate, call The Beaded Iris at (505) 299-1856.

Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club:

Who They Are:  The Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and enjoyment of  Earth Sciences and other related fields.  Since 1944, AGMC has been bringing minerals, fossils, geology, rock cutting and gem faceting to our community and beyond.  They meet at the NM Museum of Natural History, on the 4th Monday of every month at 7:30 pm.  Their Junior Club starts at 6:30 pm.  The public is welcome to both of these meetings; see the museum web site for directions. Become a Member for $20/year, which includes your household.

Community Outreach:

Science Fair:  The education of New Mexico youth is a focus of AGMC.  Their ongoing efforts include awarding two US Savings Bonds annually for outstanding projects related to earth sciences at the Northwest Regional Science Fair.

Scholarships:  The AGMC has a special relationship with UNM and their students.  Annually, two scholarships are awarded to UNM students majoring in geology with special interest in mineralogy.

Annual Gem & Mineral Show:  This year marks the AGMC’s 42nd show.  Aside from being a fun and educational family event for members and the public, this show makes it possible for AGMC to  award two $1,000 scholarships to a UNM and NM Tech geology student.  This year, it's March 18-20 (see our sidebar).

Socorro Mineral Symposium:  As part of their ongoing work with UNM, AGMC has been a co-sponsor of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology's annual mineral symposium in Socorro since 1979.

Peruvian Artisans:

Mama’s Minerals brings back earth treasures from around the U.S. and the world. One of our oldest friends in the business is an importer from her native country, Peru.  Mama's Minerals president Laura Randolph and Consuelo started their businesses around the same time, when they met at their first Quartzsite show some 25 years ago.

We purchase much of our Peruvian inventory from Consuelo and her family,  including Palo Santo Wood Burning Incense, pyrite spheres/hearts,  soapstone figurines and blue/pink opal.

By importing goods from Peru, Consuelo is able to directly support fair trade small business of friends and family. These fair trade operations are usually started by individuals or small groups of native Peruvians that generally don’t have access to the materials or machinery they need to manufacture their works of art. Consuelo and her family work hard to collect and ship equipment to these artists to assist them in starting their own self-sustaining businesses. Through lease and repayment, these people are able to soon own outright materials, equipment, tools and supplies that have been sent to them.

How We’re Helping: We’re going to help by sending these artisans, carvers, cutters, and all around lapidarists the supplies necessary to continue to supply us and many other stores with their gorgeous pieces of art. Because Peru doesn’t manufacture lapidary equipment, their needs for supplies are great. To create, they require a source for such things as tweezers, Dremel tools and bits, and diamond blades for saws, among other things. With help from our friend, we will be collecting equipment and tools to send to Peru.

For information on how you can help, come into our Albuquerque store, or give us a call at 505-266-8443.

Silver City Rolling Stones

Who They Are:  The Silver City Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society is a group dedicated to the exchange of information and furthering of member knowledge of minerals, gem cutting, and geology, and to stimulate interests and development of such studies.

Meetings:  The Society meets on the 2^nd Thursday of every month in Silver City, New Mexico at the Silver City Senior Citizens Center, located at 204 West Victoria, off of NM 90.  Each meeting is started off with a potluck at 6:00 pm.  The meetings start off at around 6:45 pm and are followed by various educational programs.

Become a Member:  Annual Individual memberships start at $10 per person and Group memberships start at $15.  For more information or to join, see their web site.

Community Outreach:

Field Trips:  Their field trips are on the third Saturday of the month and are for members and guests of members.  For more information about upcoming field trips, you can contact Ansel Walters at 575-388-2010.

Annual Show:  On September 3-5, 2011, Labor Day Weekend, the Grant County Rolling Stones Society will be hosting the 28th Annual Gem & Mineral Show.  This three day event will be held at the Grant County Business and Conference Center in Silver City, New Mexico, just east of town on Highway 180.  This FREE show features activities for all ages, expert mineral identification, a Wheel of Fortune game, a silent auction and great food.  There will also be special exhibits offered by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources and the New Mexico State University Zuhl collection, which specializes in petrified wood.

Charity Water:

Charity Water is a non-profit organization that donates 100% of its proceeds to help people around the world gain access to clean drinking water. Lack of clean water kills more people yearly than all forms war and violence. Access to clean water is a basic human right that Mama’s Minerals is proud to support. Please check them out at www.charitywater.org to learn how $20 can give one person access to clean drinking water.

Wild Earth Guardians

Wild Earth Guardians are advocates for environmental issues that threaten the beauty and diversity of the Western United States. Their focus is on endangered animals, wild lands, wild rivers, and climate and energy.  They are currently working for clean rivers, renewable energies, and saving the Sagebrush Sea. To check out the many campaigns they are working on, visit www.wildearthguardians.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico: Bowl for Kids Sake

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico plays a large role in helping to guide and nurture children in New Mexico. This is a laudable effort that we at Mama’s Minerals are happy to support. We value New Mexico’s children and are participating this month in the 28th Annual Bowl for Kid’s Sake fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico. The fundraising event will take place at Santa Ana Star Center Casino on May 7, 2011, and Mama’s Minerals is donating five hundred dollars to sponsor a bowling team.  If you are interested in donating to the Mama’s Minerals’ team to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico, visit our Team Page and click on "Donate Now." If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Sister, please visit their web site.

Mama's Minerals - Your "Gemstone Bowlers"

Mama's Minerals is proud to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters 28th Annual Bowl For Kids Sake. This year, Mama's Minerals is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and we've stepped up our community involvement by donating to different groups each month.

Rock out by contributing through our Gemstone Bowlers and be a part of changing kids' lives. It's fast, easy and safe:

Simply click the "Donate Now" button on our Team Page and donate through your favorite rockers. 

Here's another way you can donate:

In the spirit of giving, the employees at Mama's want to make this a competition. Go to our Facebook Storefront and vote for your favorite team member.  Each vote equals one of your dollars, and whoever has the most votes WINS!  And what exactly do they win?  The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mama's Minerals popularity contest - and the sure knowledge that their sterling personality is changing lives. It's a fun way to raise money for a great cause.

Donate & Vote at Mama's Minerals Facebook page.

Participants:

Yvette S., Jo Anne M., Josiah T., Alberto O., & Alex R.

Crossroads for Women:

The second community-based organization we are supporting this month is Crossroads for Women. This organization is focused on reintegrating women who have suffered homelessness or incarceration by teaching self-sufficient life skills to improve their quality of life. Working hard to break the cycle of poverty and crime, Crossroads provides safe housing, case management, counseling, and healthy community based activities. This program encourages women to provide a safe and drug free home for themselves and their families, which is a tremendous community service Mama’s Minerals is proud to support.

To learn more about this organization and their activities, please visit http://www.crossroadsabq.org/. 

UNM Women's Resource Center: Sabrina Single Mother's Scholarship:

The Sabrina Single Mother's Scholarship provides aid to graduate and undergraduate single mothers studying at UNM. The UNM Women's Resource Center began awarding the Sabrina Single Mothers Scholarship in 2007. Since then, 18 single mother students have earned this scholarship that they have been able to use toward their educational expenses, including childcare. The scholarship was founded by former WRC Director, Sandrea Gonzales, because of her own experience as a single mother student at a time when there were no resources for single mothers on campus. Even today, there are few dedicated resources for this population of students. When single mothers attain higher education, everyone benefits - the children, the mothers, and society. An education can raise a family out of poverty and set the children on the path to more opportunities.

If you'd like to contribute to the scholarship fund, you can do so via:

UNM Foundation: Enter gift designation: Sabrina Single Mother's Scholarship

United Way of Central New Mexico: Click "Give Today" and enter gift designation: UNM Women's Resource Center Sabrina Single Mother's Scholarship

Donate by check, made payable to the UNM Women's Resource Center:

UNM Women's Resource Center
MSC06 3910
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Women E.A.R.N.

Women E.A.R.N. (Entrepreneurial Artisan Resource Network) works to create sustainable financial futures for Albuquerque's large immigrant and refugee population.  They do this by helping talented low-income women grow their artisan skills to become entrepreneurs. At their store, they sell hand-made items that their members produce, and also provide many free classes, including sewing, product development, business-financial skills, ESL, and wellness classes. They also offer babysitting for just 25 cents per hour!  Their storefront is located at 955 San Pedro SE near Gibson.

http://www.abqwomenearn.org/index.html

NOTE: Women E.A.R.N. has closed their doors, so Mama's Minerals has instead given our donation to Southwest Creations' Buena Fe programs. Please see below...

Southwest Creations - Buena Fe programs

Since their creation in 1994, Southwest Creations has been driven by an ambitious social mission: to alleviate poverty and build economic opportunity across generations. Southwest Creations provides dignified employment and on-site childcare while engaging their employees and their families in improving their skills and capacity as leaders. They have a holistic and multi-generational approach to employability and access to education. 

Learn more about Southwest Creations and the Buena Fe program.

Harwood Art Center

Harwood Art Center, a project of Escuela Del Sol Montessori, provides limitless opportunities to experience art on a personal and community level, and so bring us together in a healthy, vibrant community. Their outreach program for kids includes the Mayor’s Art Summer Institute, the Teen Poetry and Drawing Intensive, and the Summer Art Camp. They hold a plethora of community events and exhibitions featuring local and national artists, as well as Open Studio Nights for the resident artists at the center. Come out and have fun at the Carnuel Fiesta and Burque Bop! or get your hands dirty in the community garden while learning about sustainability.

Find out what's next:
http://harwoodartcenter.org
Online Newsletter

Wise Fool New Mexico

Wise Fool is New Mexico's youth performance, circus, and puppetry troupe. Wise Fool was born of an effort to create community dialogue about social justice issues.  Wise Fool engages community members in learning life skills in a safe and creative environment. They believe that combining the color and vibrancy of circus with powerful social messages sparks wonder and dialogue - "changing lives one circus at a time". 

Wise Fool offers programs to rural and under-served communities, serving over 250 youth in onsite programs across the state, with classes in circus arts and puppetry for all ages.  Enjoy their weekly Saturday night performances on their Santa Fe stage, featuring aerialists, tightrope walkers, dancers, singers and acrobats. 

Check them out:
http://www.wisefoolnewmexico.org/

Operation Helmet

OPERATION HELMET, founded in 2004 by Dr. Bob Meaders, provides helmet upgrade kits free of charge to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to those ordered to deploy in the near future. Operation Helmet is a 100% volunteer, non-partisan, charitable organization headquartered in Montgomery, Texas (near Houston), with volunteer operations around the country.

Nearly 100% of all contributions are used to send upgrade kits to our troops! There is less than one-half of one percent overhead, which is used for very limited expenses related to sending thanks to donors or forwarding upgrade kits that didn't reach the addressee. This is a labor of love on behalf of all of the volunteers. There are no salaries or payroll. Doc Bob covers all office expenses.

These helmet upgrades do four primary things: Protection (through shock-absorption), Comfort (to ensure they will stay on the troops’ heads longer and more often), Stability (firmly set and out of eyes), and Durability (these aren’t easily replaced when in combat). This is a not-for-profit organization supported largely through generous contributions from individuals like you. To learn more or to make a donation, visit them online at http://www.operation-helmet.org

Women Veterans Homeless Project - YWCA

The ongoing mission of this organization is to be an active voice for women who have served or are currently serving in the US Armed Forces, and to be an advocate for women veteran’s rights, issues and benefits. Goals include providing information and support to veterans, conducting outreach, ensuring VA programs are responsive to gender-specific needs of women veterans, assisting veterans with obtaining VA benefits and healthcare, conducting fundraising activities to support these missions and goals, and to be actively involved in local and national veterans’ issues.

WVHP is an active member of the community, with many ongoing projects and events, such as providing donated bikes and furniture to former homeless veterans. Learn more about WVHP-YWCA projects, useful VA information, and how you can support WVHP by purchasing products at iGive.com.

Tribute to Women in the Military

The Tribute to Women in the Military was first held in 1985 to honor military women -- past, present, and future.

Held on the first Friday of March in Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Tribute is open to everyone -- women, men, children, Active Duty, Reserve/Guard, retirees, veterans, civilians. From opening ceremonies to the awards luncheon, the Tribute raises money for the scholarship fund.  

This year’s generous contributions allowed them to award four $500 scholarships to young college-bound women throughout New Mexico. They are always looking for committee volunteers, sponsors, and donations of items for tote bags, door prizes, and silent auctions. To help, contact chair@tributetowomeninthemilitary.org. You can request a registration packet for the event online, or contact Ethel Tilley at (505) 853-1718. If you are a woman veteran in New Mexico and have not received a registration form by January, please use the web site.

Mama's School Supply Drive

We strongly value education at Mama’s Minerals. That is why this month we are holding a month-long School Supply Drive to help equip Albuquerque’s little rock hounds for learning. The whole month of August, we are accepting school supplies such as backpacks, pens, markers, pencils, notebooks, crayons, antibacterial hand soap, rulers, sharpeners, tissue boxes, and scissors. This is something everyone can participate in to help children in our local community. If you're visiting our store, take action and donate this month!

Mama's Minerals Collaborates with Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Central New Mexico

As there is a shortage of Big Brothers to many deserving children, each person who fills out a sheet or submits an online inquiry of interest to become a Big Brother during the month of August will receive a Mama's Minerals 20% off coupon, good for in-store or online purchases (not combinable with other coupon codes, offers or sales specials).

A message from Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Central New Mexico:

What if every child was put on the right path today?  What if every child in New Mexico graduated high school, went to college, and gave back to their communities?  What could that start?  It might be the start of something Big.  Because every time you donate time or money to help children reach their full potential, you start something.

There are approximately 300 boys in the Albuquerque area who are waiting up to two years to be matched with a positive, male role model. It takes only 4-6 hours per month to make a difference in one of these lives. Pease help us start something Big today by signing up to become a Big Brother.

Volunteer orientations are taking place on Wednesday, August 10th at 6:30pm and Saturday, August 27th at 10am. They are located at 5400 Phoenix Ave NE, Suite 200. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Virginia.Graumann@bbbs-cnm.org or call 837-9223, ext. 18.

CREW

In the spirit of Home Decorating Month at Mama’s Minerals, we are donating to the nonprofit organization Community Renovation Empowering Women (CREW). CREW is a community service organization that builds and renovates structures for agencies that primarily serve women and children.  

The workers swinging the hammers and pounding the nails are all volunteers, and they spend one fun-filled day a month working on their renovation projects. Currently in the works is a renovation for PB&J Family Services, an organization dedicated to helping at-risk children and families.

The efforts of CREW have resulted in enhanced facilities for the Laguna Pueblo Battered Women’s Shelter, Cuidando Los Ninos, Enlace Communitario, Healthcare for the Homeless, Crossroads, and many more.  Recently celebrating fifteen years of service, CREW is an organization that proves what amazing things a small group of people can accomplish with just one day a month and the desire to learn and help others.

Learn more about CREW and how you can help.

Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico

The Road Runner Food Bank feeds over 40,000 people in the state of New Mexico every month. The largest food bank in the state, Roadrunner distributes more than 22,000 pounds of food every year to a network of partner agencies and five regional food banks.

Roadrunner Food Bank has programs that serve multiple demographics: Emergency Family Food boxes assist families who have suffered floods, fires, or medical emergencies; Food for Kids is a program for elementary school children who do not have enough to eat during the weekends and holidays; a Mobile Food Pantry serves those who are unable to store perishable items, and a Senior Helpings program delivers 38-pound boxes to low income senior housing centers. They also employ a variety of green initiatives and are continuously looking to improve their energy efficiency.

During November, Mama’s Minerals’ Albuquerque staff will be donating volunteer time to this great organization in the spirit of giving back to the community.

If you live in Albuquerque, there is room for you to volunteer with us, too! We welcome any community members interested in joining the Mama’s Minerals staff while donating time to this organization. The Albuquerque store will be volunteering at Roadrunner Food Bank on Sunday, November 20, 2011 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  For details, please contact us.

Kitchen Angels

Giving meals and nutritional assistance to home-bound people facing life-challenging conditions, Kitchen Angels serves a commonly neglected demographic. Based in the Santa Fe area, this organization helps improve the diet, health and lifestyle of those who receive their services. Kitchen Angels provides a helping hand in the community while allowing people to live in their own homes and retain their dignity. The Kitchen Angels web site features cookbook recipes for Green Chile Stew and Biscochitos, as well as their renowned fundraising cookbook, Seasons of Santa Fe.

Cooking With Kids

Cooking with Kids empowers elementary school students to make healthy food choices. Their hands-on classes teach children how to prepare and taste a variety of fresh, affordable foods and learn about making healthy choices. They offer two types of food education classes and work together with schools to support healthy cafeteria meals. Cooking with Kids also believes in caring for the environment, and supports local farmers by purchasing locally grown produce whenever possible. Download a sample cooking lesson at http://cookingwithkids.net.

Mama's Holiday Food Drive

Get 10% Off your in-store purchase for bringing in a food donation. Preferred items are canned entrees, canned fruit, canned meat, canned vegetables, cereal, jelly, macaroni and cheese, pasta and sauces, peanut butter, rice, soup, and sugar.

If you cannot make it into the store to give a donation, you can go to Roadrunner Food Bank’s Online Food Drive page and donate directly. Each dollar donated translates into almost four meals.

Don’t wait—donate today!