FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                             

December 09, 2025                                                                                                                      

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Supports Local Food Giving Organizations Across Its Service Territory With $13,000 Holiday Donation, and Annual Community Support Exceeding $150,000 

Taos, NM — December 09, 2025 — Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) is honored to provide a donation of $13,000 this holiday season to support families and community members in need throughout Northern New Mexico. These funds were distributed to several local food banks, pantries, and community organizations that play a vital role in addressing hunger and supporting vulnerable households.

This year's contributions were made to the following organizations:

The KCEC Board of Trustees determined that additional support is urgently needed across our communities during this difficult time, when the cost of living continues to rise and the future of many food assistance programs remains uncertain. In making this decision, the Board emphasized the importance of ensuring that help reaches every corner of KCEC's service territory, from the most rural communities to the larger population areas, so that no family is left without access or support.

The cooperative also actively participates in food distribution efforts and partners with local programs to expand access to essential resources. This includes assisting Shared Table, a vital food outreach program serving Taos County and surrounding areas. KCEC employees deliver food boxes to homebound individuals, older adults, and others who are unable to travel to local pantries, ensuring these residents receive the nutrition and support they need.

"Providing support to all areas of our service territory is a fundamental part of our mission," said Bobby Ortega, KCEC Board President. "Our communities rely on these programs, and we remain dedicated to helping them continue their critical work."

KCEC has a long history of supporting food initiatives. It has been actively involved with Taos Feeds Taos for 40 years. With many local families facing additional hardship, KCEC stepped up to prepare food boxes and deliver groceries, making sure community members had access to essential items. Today, KCEC continues to play a vital role in Taos Feeds Taos' annual efforts and stays committed to maintaining food assistance programs during times of uncertainty.

At Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, we believe our responsibility extends beyond providing electric, internet, and propane services; we are committed to supporting the communities we serve. By partnering with these food programs, we help ensure that families across our entire service area have access to vital resources, especially during tough times." Luis A. Reyes Jr., CEO, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative

In addition to its annual holiday giving, KCEC has provided more than $150,000 this year in donations and sponsorships to support local organizations, student scholarships, and community-based initiatives throughout its service territory. These contributions have strengthened essential programs and aided organizations such as Youth Heartline, the Village of Questa, Questa Schools, Peñasco Schools, Taos Municipal Schools, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Chabad of Taos, Shared Table, Taos Land Trust, the Village of Angel Fire, Moreno Valley Schools, the Questa Citizens Ditch Association, the Kit Carson House and Museum, Peñasco Mutual Domestic Water, Fiestas de Taos, Spay Taos, Taos Little League, the New Life Pregnancy Center, Holy Cross Hospital, Community Against Violence, Taos Feeds Taos, the Town of Taos, as well as numerous nonprofit organizations, community groups, fire departments, and churches.

These investments highlight KCEC's enduring commitment to fostering the well-being, education, and long-term vitality of the communities it serves. This total does not include the extensive in-kind services and volunteer hours contributed by KCEC employees throughout the year, further demonstrating the cooperative's deep-rooted dedication to community support.

As a member-owned cooperative, KCEC remains dedicated to elevating the communities it serves through compassionate action, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to the cooperative principle of 'Concern for Community." Whether through financial donations, volunteer work, or direct participation in food distribution efforts, KCEC proudly stands with the organizations that nourish and support families across its entire service territory.

For more information about KCEC's community initiatives, visit www.kitcarson.com or contact Michael Santistevan at msantistevan@kitcarson.com.

###

About Kit Carson Electric Cooperative 

Formed in 1944, Kit Carson is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative in northern New Mexico and is the second-largest cooperative in the state. Kit Carson is one of 16 electric cooperatives that serve rural New Mexico communities, serving nearly 30,000 members in Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties. To learn more about Kit Carson, visit www.kitcarson.com.