Jan. 1 -- The Empty Stocking Fund at the Santa Fe Community Foundation in partnership with The Santa Fe New Mexican is a community benefit project first started by The New Mexican 43 years ago. Each year, hundreds of people receive aid from the fund during the holiday season to help cover rent payments, medical bills, utility costs, car repairs, home improvements and other needs.

Who it helps: Applicants, who must live in Rio Arriba or Santa Fe counties and must provide documents that prove their identity, are considered without regard to race, age, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Applications for aid are currently on pause because of overwhelming demand.

2024 goal: $475,000; however, there are already over $500,000 in requests.

This holiday charity project, which began in 1981, is administered by the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

To donate: Make your tax-deductible donation online by visiting santafecf.org/funds/empty-stocking-fund. In person, visit the Santa Fe Community Foundation at 501 Halona St., or The Santa Fe New Mexican, 150 Washington Ave., Suite 105, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contributions can also be mailed to Empty Stocking Fund, C/O Santa Fe Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1827, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1827. Donors can request to remain anonymous.

Bad Girls Book Club -- in memory of Helen Cerletti and Jody Soper: $1,000