Rio West Mall and iHeart Media gathering holiday donations for residents of Red Rock Care Center

Red Rocks Care Center patients will be touched by angels this Christmas thanks to a partnership between the facility, Rio West Mall and iHeart Media of Gallup that sponsors a holiday event designed to engage the Gallup community in Christmas gift-giving to the elderly.

“Christmas is a beautiful time of year, but it can also be difficult for families to be together because of distance, weather or illness. Red Rocks partnership with Rio West Mall and iHeart Media of Gallup ensures that our elderly residents will be remembered this holiday as the Gallup community comes together to make the season a little brighter for all of us,” said Jim McDonald, facility administrator for Red Rocks Care Center.

This month Red Rocks residents will begin coloring paper angels (for a total of 102) that will make up the Golden Angel Giving Tree soon to be on display at the Rio West Mall. Each angel will have a number and information on the back describing a holiday gift wish that can be purchased by Mall-goers and returned by Dec. 19 to the mall office at the Southwest entrance by Big Bear Furniture. Mall staff, along with local students, will present the gifts to Red Rocks residents at a Christmas party scheduled for Dec. 22 at the facility.

A Cupcake Walk on Nov. 19 at Rio West Mall will kick off the gift-giving program and raise funds to ensure all Red Rocks residents receive a gift this Christmas. Both Rio West Mall and iHeart Media are dedicating advertising dollars to promote the event.

“We really appreciate the Rio West Mall staff and iHeart Media of Gallup for coming together to make this a memorable Christmas for the Red Rocks family,” said McDonald. “Several Red Rocks residents will join us at the mall for the Cupcake Walk Kick-Off and will get to see their colorful angels posted on the Finish Line wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. That will mark a great beginning to the holiday season for the Gallup Community.”

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 19 Cupcake Walk Fundraiser

Noon Rio West Mall, Finish Line Wall near the Food Court $2 per participant, Xtra Large cupcakes donated to winners by Rio West Mall staff

Dec. 22 Presenting of the Gifts to Red Rock Care Center Residents

6pm Red Rocks Care Center 3720 Church Rock Rd. Gallup, NM 87301