Cancer Resource Center Alamogordo, New Mexico, Volunteers' Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Sue Baker, Chair of the Cancer Resource Center (CRC), hosted a Christmas Party for all the volunteers at Peppers Grill at 3200 N. White Sands Boulevard in Alamogordo . The CRC is totally staffed by volunteers and they do a wonderful job of relating to cancer survivors and their needs. The CRC has a library room and provides literature on just about every form of cancer or know where the person can get it, if not. They also provide breast forms and bras; hats, scarves, wigs, pillows and blankets for those going through chemotherapy, and mentoring for those who request it. Also provided is "Look Good Feel Better" whereby a cosmetologist gives the survivor a make-over including a complete make-up set. This is all done free of charge through the sponsorship of Gerald Champion Regional  Medical Center and the American Cancer Society.

Not everyone who volunteers has had cancer, but they feel called to help. If you are reading this and are looking for a place to give back or pay it forward, you can help them out by volunteering as little as three hours a week of your time at the Center located at 1212 E. 9th Street, Suite E, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 575-443-7485. They are open various mornings and afternoons so leave a message if you don't get a live person.

The Christmas party was a huge success and, as you will see by the pictures, lots of fun.

L to R: Carla conversing with Carmen and Berene

Carmen and Berene with Mike and Kathleen in background

A shot of a portion of the crowd

A shot of the other side of the room with Carmen, Berene and Judy in the foreground

After we finished dining, Sue passed out a game which listed  20 multiple-choice questions about Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Carla and Berene tied with 15 correct and each received a hot mitt containing a package of sugar cookie ingredients. Sue then had each person pull a number from a basket and we played Chinese Auction. Those that wished to participate were asked to bring a wrapped or bagged White Elephant Gift. Once a gift is chosen, it can be stolen twice and then belongs to that third person.

Carla pulled number one and unwrapped a box of snack goodies

The bag also contained this hanging monkey and some yellow rubber duckies

Next up was Alexi who unwrapped a food chopper which was stolen by Judy

Berene unwrapped a three tier bowl set

Doug unwrapped a lovely tea pot--he is behind the camera

Teri got Starbucks Coffee and mugs

Jean is being very sneaky unwrapping her choice

Jean did well getting a cheeseball bowl and knife

Ruth really hit the jackpot with a filled candy jar sporting a Santa lid

Betty said, "I know this candle cost more than 10 bucks!" To which, someone else replied, "Not if it was a gift to begin with."

Kathleen stole the candle from Betty and Betty got a bottle of New Mexico's finest wine which was then stolen by Michael

Jerry lucked in and got a whole yard of chocolate

Eloise is nervous about opening the box as she shows it to Sue, but it turns out to be a traveling hair set

Jennifer peeks in the bag while Sue watches. It turns out to contain a mug and a santa

Joy slowly unwraps a lovely fountain, but she didn't keep it long as it was stolen by Larry. Joy wound up with a beautiful jigsaw puzzle picture in a frame.

Betty finally winds up with a "Body Warmer"

Aubrey's little son, Lucas, holds up a Christmas Caroling Set

Delman got a book "1000 Places to See Before You Die"

Our Fearless Leader Sue got a Wallet Ninja

Alexi wound up with an animated chicken that plays music and does the "Chicken Dance"

Everyone had a great time visiting and the food was delicious. Thanks to Sue for all her efforts in making this come together. Volunteers all work different hours so it's difficult to get to know everyone and this was a perfect way to become better acquainted.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photography for taking all the pictures. We lost track of the stealing that was going on so some were not photographed and we do apologize. Betty, you can not complain! lol

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This is all I have to say for now.