The University of New Mexico (UNM) spreads kindness across campus again.
Now in its 17th year, the BeKind UNM celebration returns with fun celebrations during National Random Acts of Kindness Week this February. The initiative helps promote kindness and civility in the UNM community.
This year, the BeKind UNM Committee invites the Lobo community to enjoy the Kindness Carnival and other events spreading positivity.
The free Kindness Carnival on Feb. 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the SUB Atrium opens the celebration. It includes games, a photo booth, music, therapy dog cuddles, and a donation drive for the Lobo Food Pantry. Individuals who make a donation can win a grand prize. The reward includes a $25 Dion’s gift card, a $25 UNM Bookstore card, and a Sparkie stuffed bear from The Jennifer Riordan Foundation.
The first Teddy Bear Toss occurs at 7:00 p.m. during the women’s Lobo basketball game against San Jose State at The Pit. The second toss takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 17 during the men’s game against Air Force.
During each Teddy Bear Toss, fans can toss brand-new stuffed animals at halftime, creating a heartwarming Lobo tradition. They can attach a label with their name and contact information for a chance to win one of several grand-prize baskets. Each basket is packed with items from local partners such as the Albuquerque Isotopes, Dion’s, New Mexico Look/Zia Graphics, UNM Bookstore, Popejoy Hall, and UNM departments.
Every stuffed animal collected is donated to children throughout New Mexico through the Albuquerque Police, the Albuquerque Fire Rescue, and other youth-support organizations that assist youth in crisis.
Share Kindness with the Lobo Food Pantry
BeKind UNM invites donations to help support the Lobo Food Pantry. Supported by the LoboRESPECT office, it provides free, nonperishable food items for all UNM students.
Students may fill a basket with groceries of their choice and must weigh it for final checkout. They must sign a semester-long waiver and provide general identifying information (name, email, UNM ID) when visiting the pantry. This helps track the number of visits each month. The daily limit is either a full basket or 10.0 lbs., whichever the student meets first.
The pantry delivers more than meals. It also provides essential hygiene items, including laundry and dish detergents, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and feminine hygiene products.
In addition to food and hygiene items, the pantry welcomes monetary donations. These funds allow the pantry to purchase fresh groceries and essential items to support students in need.