Monique Hilverding on LinkedIn: Vitalant Las Cruces/El Paso is working with first responders to encourage… (2024)

We have so many opportunities to help so many incredible organizations in our community. There are so many fundraisers and learning opportunities happening all the time.Childhood cancer is so heavy on my heart. I love so many things that Candlelighters does, but it is clear from the kids' perspective! It’s all about camp! The memories they make, the fact that so many go back to be counselors, and that they feel normal.Thank you, Candlelighters of El Paso for what you do for so many families. 🎗️

13

It takes a village!!! May was the toughest month I’ve experienced in a very long time. I know it’s a busy time with graduations, the end of school, summer travel and so much more. But the truth is, there’s never a perfect time. Hospitals need blood components all the time. Patients and their families depend on you! So, when you see a blood drive in your community, workplace, or school, please donate. You’ll feel good about yourself, I promise! Blood donations don’t sit on shelves, they save lives.Thank you to the partners and donors who made sure that El Paso and Las Cruces hospitals had the components they needed to save lives in May! Juvenile Justice Department, Options High School, Young Women's Academy, Minerva for Sheriff, Bassett Place, El Paso Community College, Mountain View Health Center, Paso Del Norte Academy, Mesilla Valley Mall, Wrangler Warehouse, Maximus Federal, Ardovino's, Abundant Living Faith Center East, Church of Jesus Christ LDS, Vista Del Sol Environmental Science Academy, Valle Verde Early College High School, Hanks Middle School, The University of Texas at El Paso, Juvenile Justice Center, Rudolph Chevrolet, San Elizario Palms, Bienvivir All-Inclusive Senior Health, City of Las Cruces Utilities, REHABILITATION HOSPITAL OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO INC , New Mexico State University, Las Cruces Public Schools, KeyTronic Corp, American Legion, Mountain View High School, US Border Patrol Stanton Northeast, WELLMED AT EL PASO, MountainView Regional Medical Center, Tornillo Port of Entry, Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Home, El Paso Electric Company, Walmart Las Cruces, J. Paul Taylor Academy, Courtyard by Marriott Las Cruces, Pebble Hills High School, Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol Alamogordo, Cielo Vista Mall, City of Las Cruces, University Medical Center, Ysleta Independent School District, Charter Communications El Paso, Dr. Torres Raptors Elementary, WellMed Medical Management, Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home, Luna County Courthouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, YDSP Target Tigua AmeriCorps, Hi-D-Ho Drive In, Community of Silver City, CASA DA TOYOTA Alamogordo, Amazon El Paso, Jefferson Silva Magnet High School and Eastlake High School.Help us save lives in our community! Click here to learn how: https://rb.gy/jccmqd🦇

31

3 Comments

We had such an amazing time at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso Mentor Impact Luncheon. My heart when the littles and moms speak. It’s so incredible to see the difference mentors make!You can help them hit their goal of $12,000 before May 31. The GECU FOUNDATION is matching up to $12,000 donated in May, so every dollar you give will be doubled!Thank you, John Hernandez for the invite!

20

3 Comments

It’s business market day! Stop by Mesilla Valley Mall and see the Mission Academy Children’s Business Market. All of the students have become entrepreneurs.This is always a favorite for Eden and Draven because they not only make money but also learn about running a business. They gain an understanding of inflation, pricing strategies, networking, and the importance of social media. They learn how to connect with customers and recognize the value of offering products that people want or need. Draven keeps stressing the importance of an attractive display.Stop by Mesilla Valley Mall between 11 and 2 and support these young entrepreneurs. You’ll find everything from cookies and lemonade to masks, jewelry, and trinkets.Yes, they take Venmo and CashApp!

14

Thank you, Vitalant for organizing an employee recognition bowling night! It was AWEsome to see so many amazing people from different departments together. Being able to hug and celebrate with so many I've worked with for years, but usually only see on Teams and email, so much fun! Team Vampires! 🦇

34

It hasn’t fully hit me yet. Well, Martin Gomez we had your farewell party yesterday, but it still doesn’t seem real.Just reflecting on the incredible 17 years I've shared with you at Vitalant. Our ability to come together and tackle challenges from different perspectives and play on each other's strengths has been invaluable. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement throughout literally thousands of blood drives.Your commitment to saving lives for over two decades has left such a huge impact in El Paso, touching countless lives that all began from personal tragedy. I will carry her story with me.Wishing you the very best as you continue to make a difference in a different way!Happy last day…

42

7 Comments

Yesterday, I walked for Pete in the Celebration of Life event. I met him once, and he impacted my life forever. He was so funny, brave, and wise way beyond his years. He received 14 units of blood while fighting cancer, and he made it his personal mission to get donors to the Deming blood drives. He knew it made him feel better and wanted to make sure it was available for other kids with cancer.My heart. These things are always such a crazy, emotional juxtaposition. You celebrate someone’s life, you’re angry that life was taken, you fight alongside others who are battling. You hear the list of names of all the people in this small community that are fighting right now—so, so many. F**k Cancer

26

1 Comment

"Angels are not mystical creatures from another realm; they are the manifestations of love and kindness in our lives." – Deepak Chopra.Vitalant was recognized at the Annual Lucy C. Acosta Humanitarian Awards. "Angels on Earth" was the theme this year, so perfect.Senior Recruitment Director, David Veloz accepted the award and delivered such an amazing speech about how important it is to safe and ample blood supply for our community. Specifically, how blood drives play a crucial role in ensuring that blood is readily available on the shelves of our local hospitals. Y’all, it’s not easy! He made a plea to the CEOs, directors, and those in charge to support these events. He also thanked the organizations, coordinators, donors, and Vitalant staff who make it all possible. And, he looked totally kick ass.I'm so proud to be part of this amazing mission driven organization that exists to make a difference in people's lives. Congratulations to Amistad - El Paso and everyone who was recognized!

52

“We are statistically more likely to die from an overdose than in a car accident”The other day, I heard a PSA that New Mexico has the sixth highest drug overdose death rate in the nation. I can't say I'm surprised. The impact of drug overdose is tragic, lives lost or destroyed everywhere. Local law enforcement and paramedics responding to overdose calls daily.Overdose is now the leading cause of death for people under 50! Doña Ana County offers an Overdose Prevention Education & Naloxone Training, Crystal Alfaro and Jesus Solis do a fantastic job. The next class is on April 23rd, I highly recommend it. You just never know.

37

6 Comments