County and community partners launch “I Can Help” program

Published on October 30, 2025

Stock image of people lined up assembling food boxes
Many Los Alamos County community members are facing growing uncertainty due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, rising food costs, and other economic challenges. In response, Los Alamos County Social Services Division has joined forces with LA Cares, Self-Help, Trinity on the Hill, Los Alamos MainStreet, and other community partners to launch the “I Can Help” program — a collaborative effort to provide emergency food meal kits and coordinate community donations for those in need beginning November 7, 2025 at designated locations.
“This program highlights what makes Los Alamos so special — our community’s willingness to step up for one another,” said Social Services Manager Jessica Strong. “Even small contributions can make a real difference for families who are struggling right now.”
The “I Can Help” initiative encourages residents to get involved in several ways:
1. Donate Money: Financial donations directly support local nonprofits providing emergency assistance:
2. Donate Food (Oct. 30 – Nov. 6): Community members can drop off only the following nine specific food items to ensure the meal kits can be assembled and distributed efficiently by volunteers on Friday, Nov. 7:
  • Jar of peanut butter
  • Jar of jelly
  • Crackers
  • Canned soup
  • Canned meat
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Canned beans
  • Canned tomatoes and tomato sauce
  • Box of pasta
Drop-Off Locations:
  • SALA: 2551 Central Ave., Los Alamos
  • The Family YMCA: 1450 Iris St., Los Alamos
  • Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation / MainStreet: 190 Central Park Square, Los Alamos
  • Metzger’s Do It Best Los Alamos: 1607 Central Ave., Los Alamos
  • Metzger’s Do It Best White Rock: 128 NM-4, White Rock
  • Mesa Public Library: 2400 Central Ave., Los Alamos
  • White Rock Branch Library: 10 Sherwood Blvd., White Rock
  • EXIT Realty: 1615 Central Ave., Suite 100, Los Alamos
  • Los Alamos STEAM Lab: 190 Central Park Square, Los Alamos
3. Donate Other Items: For those who wish to contribute other pantry staples, hygiene products, or pet food, items can be placed in collection boxes at Smith’s Food & Drug or in the free community pantries located throughout the county:
  • Smith’s Marketplace: 715 Diamond Drive, Los Alamos
  • Smith’s Food & Drug: 31 Sherwood Blvd., White Rock
  • LA Cares at the Co-op: 95 Entrada Drive, Los Alamos
  • Saint Job Church: 1319 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos
  • Trinity on the Hill Church: 3900 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos
  • First United Methodist Church: 715 Diamond Drive, Los Alamos
  • Gaia Pantry at Unitarian Church: 1736 N. Sage Loop, Los Alamos
  • LA Visita Church of the Nazarene: 15 Grande Canyon Drive, White Rock
  • Betty Ehart Senior Center: 1101 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos
Need Help?
Emergency meal kits will be available beginning Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. There is no requirement to show ID or proof of need. Pick-up locations currently include*:
  • Los Alamos Social Services: 1183 Diamond Drive, Los Alamos
  • The Teen Center: 475 20th St., Los Alamos 
  • Mesa Public Library: 2400 Central Ave., Los Alamos (starting Saturday 11/8)
  • White Rock Branch Library: 10 Sherwood Blvd., White Rock (starting Saturday 11/8) 
  • Los Alamos County Justice Center: 2300 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos
  • Los Alamos Family Council: 1350 Central Ave. #102, Los Alamos
  • Family Strengths Network: 3540 Orange Street, Los Alamos
*Check organization’s business hours. 
Community members seeking additional food assistance should contact LA Cares at 505-661-8015 or Los Alamos County Social Services at 505-662-8068 for additional information.
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