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Las Cruces Corps honored by Chamber of Commerce
by Heather Melvoin –
The Las Cruces, N.Mex., corps was recognized by the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce banquet at their annual banquet—attended by hundreds of local business leaders and dignitaries—for its outstanding work in the community.
Twelve agencies, including a soup kitchen, hospice and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, were nominated; however, the Army corps walked away with the most votes.
Captains Cristian and Rebeca Sibaja, corps officers, accepted the 2009 Non-Profit of the Year Award on behalf of The Salvation Army.
“The award took us by surprise and it is such a blessing as we enter our 90th year serving this town,” Captain Cristian Sibaja said.
Partnering with two local utility companies—City of Las Cruces and El Paso Electric—the corps provides assistance to thousands of people each year. In addition to utilities, they distribute food boxes, rental assistance, clothing vouchers, and Christmas assistance. In 2009 alone they helped more than 5,000 families, supplying nearly $230,000 in assistance.