Some Holiday Events Around Alamogordo New Mexico Part I

December 16, 2015

Cancer Resource Center (CRC) of Alamogordo volunteers got together with family members at Pepper's Restaurant for dinner and games to celebrate the Christmas season. Sue Baker, the CRC chair, presented a Christmas trivia game which turned out to be difficult for many, but the younger set seemed to know most of the answers. It was a lot of fun anyway revealing some of the amazing answers to the questions.

After dining and conversation, Sue presented the results for this past year at the CRC and they were quite impressive. The primary purpose of the CRC is to provide solace and comfort to cancer patients and survivors as well as information. They provide (free of charge) bras, breast forms, hats, scarves, wigs, blankets, literature and one on one counseling with a volunteer who has had the same type of cancer.  They also provide the American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" program given by licensed cosmetologists to patients who are undergoing Chemo treatments or have been because Chemo Therapy causes many changes to the skin.

One volunteer, in particular, Jerry Peschka, stood out as giving more hours this past year (299 to be exact) than any other volunteer. He can be found just about every week at the Chemo Infusion Center at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center Hospital (GCRMC) giving out free blankets and pillows to patients, as well as visiting with them to brighten their day. The GCRMC Hospital sponsors the CRC along with the American Cancer Society which makes it possible for all of the items to be given free of charge. We are also very grateful for the local sewing clubs and individuals who make and donate the pillow and blankets for us to give away.

After dinner everyone had a great time playing "Chinese Auction" with wrapped Christmas gifts provided by the volunteers and their families. You will see by the pictures that a grand time was had by all.

Lexi, a proud ROTC member at Alamogordo High School

Sue Baker, Fearless leader of the CRC

Delton and Sue Baker. Delton is also a volunteer at CRC

Lexi and Joseph make a cute couple

Volunteers Darnell and Becky enjoying the festivities

Volunteer Carla ready for fun

Sue explaining the game rules

Delton was first up choosing his Chinese Auction gift

Joy Kosinski, very happy with her gift

Volunteer Betty Hoppes trying to figure out what it is

Volunteer Jennifer Spencer with some bath products

Sue unwrapped a lovely little fountain in the Southwest motiff

Looks like Daniel got some lovely Christmas kitchen items

Lexi with some neat Tabasco tea towels and red gloves

Carla chose for hubby, Doug, and got a talking parrot

Jerry with his choice. What was in that box, Jerry?

Joseph unwrapped a new picture frame

Danell also got a picture frame

Not sure what Larry got, but it looks technical. Larry is a tireless volunteer especially for our annual garage sale

Carla got a lovely pendant necklace which she got to keep

I was so busy watching this little critter dance around that I forgot to note who won it

Becky is stealing Betty's gift

Betty got to choose another gift but not sure what it is

Volunteer, Terrie Sena with her gift

Lexi received the "booby prize" and seems quite happy with it

Joy makes a presentation to Sue and Delton. This was donated to by all the volunteers.

A close up of Doug's parrot. It sings, talks, mimics voices and dances

It was such a fun party and Sue really worked hard on it as she always does on everything she attempts to do. There was also a short word game led by Joy Kosinski and Doug won the prize which was an adorable stuffed Christmas fairy. Can't wait to see everyone again at the next party. Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer for all the great pictures.

This is all I have to say for now.