By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

Anita Braun expressed thanks and gratitude to employees from two Eddy County energy companies that helped clean up the Haven of Hope property in Artesia on Sept. 12.

“There is so much volunteer interest. They are just taking care of us,” she said.

Her Haven of Hope was one of 10 Eddy County nonprofit agencies benefitting from the United Way of Eddy County’s seventh annual Day of Caring, said director Kyle Marksteiner.

He said local businesses and industry partners picked up paint brushes, shovels, gloves, and power tools working on a variety of projects in Artesia and Carlsbad.

Marksteiner said Day of Caring returned this year after a five-year hiatus.

“A key point to our effort over the past year has been to restore projects such as Day of Caring that stopped after COVID,” he said.

“Many of these nonprofits are so busy offering critical services to the residents of Eddy County that they don’t always get around to resolving major projects around their facilities.”

Workers from Devon Energy and ConocoPhillips washed windows, cut weeds and helped with other maintenance projects at Haven of Hope, which is designed to help women and families dealing with life crises.

Braun, Haven of Hope’s executive director, said the agency does not have a maintenance staff and the help from both energy businesses was appreciated.

“Devon Energy is excited to partner with United Way to assist nonprofits in Eddy County in Eddy County with projects that will enhance their environments and their services,” said spokesperson Molly Young.

Mike Smith may be reached via phone at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com. He can be followed on X @MSmithartesianm.