Cool Yule Coming Soon!
On December 13, 2008 the all-volunteer Character Counts committee will again celebrate the annual Cool Yule Christmas Party.

Each year this committee of community minded volunteers coordinates a Christmas party for some of Albuquerque’s children most in need. Without this event most of these children would have NO Christmas. Many of these children are homeless, living in shelters, victims of domestic violence or living far below the poverty levels.

Children are identified at school. Parents are notified and informed about the party. Children are brought to the party at the National Guard Armory on Wyoming and Lomas in Albuquerque.

As this is an all-volunteer committee, there is no budget available for this event. In order to provide the party, the gifts, the food and the fun everything is donated.

Each child is provided with a Christmas toy, a pair of warm socks and gloves or mittens, lunch games, prizes and a party for up to 500 children.

The wish list for this event includes: sack lunches, drinks, snacks, cake walk and game prizes, and giveaways, socks, mittens and/or gloves, backpacks or tote bags and of course, toys for each elementary school age child who will attend the party. Of Course, cash donations are greatly appreciated as they can be used to purchase any of these items mentioned above.

This event requires many volunteers. Set-up and decorating begins at 7am. We require two groups of volunteers to handle the two parties for 250 children each, not to mention clean up!

Any thing that you are able to donate will be greatly appreciated and applauded by the children whose lives will be a little happier, their grateful parents, our volunteers and our community.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions in regard to Cool Yule, or if you need a donation picked up.

Chaves County Celebrates Character Counts!
Students of all ages from Chaves County and the New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy were recognized for following the six pillars of character during the annual Character Counts! recognition program.

Having paved the way for Character Counts! in Chaves County, US Senator Pete Domenici made a special appearance during the annual program, where he addressed students, educators, and parents on the importance of education and character.

Click here for more on this story from the Roswell Daily Record.

Balloon Fiesta 2008
Kids from the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs of Albuquerque enjoy balloon rides sponsored by Northrup Grumman at this year's International Balloon Fiesta. Character Counts of Albuquerque would like to thank Ron Miller of Northrop Grumman for coordinating this memorable event. See more pictures of activities during Balloon Fiesta.

CHARACTER COUNTS! Video Contest
This year's CHARACTER COUNTS! video contest is a terrific opportunity to explore what character means to you, as well as to have fun - and to win money! Simply visit Character Counts Video Contest for more information.

Balloon Fiesta highlights Senator Domenici and Character Counts kids
US Senator Pete Domenici joined balloon enthusiasts for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Gala and Twilight Twinkle Show October 4 at the Anderson-Abruzzo Balloon Museum.

This year’s gala honored Domenici for his work over the years to foster the growth and development of the balloon fiesta. The gala celebration included a special presentation from Character Counts students with Duranes Elementary School. For pictures of the events, visit our Photo Gallery.