Community Relations & Engagement

Roadrunner Food Bank

KCNSC continuously shows its support for families in the areas where we work. During KCNSC’s 2024 Inclusion Week, Roadrunner Food Bank’s (RRFB) Manager of Volunteer Engagement visited New Mexico Operations (NMO) to speak with employees about the nonprofit’s statewide hunger-relief network. The following day more than three dozen members of the NMO team participated in a service project at the food bank, collectively processing and bagging 2,406 pounds of pasta for local families. In November, the NMO team once again supported RRFB by delivering KCNSC’s donation of $5,000 and supplying two dozen volunteers for the nonprofit’s annual Thanksgiving Mobile Holiday Food Pantry. The initiative provided 2,167 families with food boxes.

National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

During FY24 KCNSC-NMO formalized a partnership with the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. The Albuquerque-based Smithsonian Museum affiliate is a treasured local resource that presents the story of nuclear science and field pioneers through engaging exhibits and events. Museum President and CEO Jennifer Hayden, expressed her gratitude and said, “We host approximately 60,000 guests from around world each year, and the partnership between the Museum and the KCNSC greatly enhances our mission of preserving and sharing the history of nuclear science with the public.” KCNSC-NMO supported several museum exhibits and community events, including STEAM week, as well as a service project on Martin Luther King Day of Service, where volunteers installed 20 feet of path for the Heritage Park exhibit area. 

Youth Volunteer Corps

In 2024, KCNSC partnered with the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) to provide more than 40 volunteer opportunities for local youth to engage in meaningful summer camp activities. These opportunities allowed young people to develop leadership skills, collaborate on community service projects, and make a tangible impact in their neighborhoods. Additionally, KCNSC employees worked alongside YVC to support the Christmas in October initiative, helping to rebuild and repair homes for families in need. This collaboration not only enhanced the lives of those who benefited from the home repairs but also provided youth volunteers with hands-on experience in community development, further fostering the spirit of service and teamwork across generations. 

Christmas in October

This year, the KCNSC continued its longstanding partnership with Christmas in October, a local initiative dedicated to repairing and revitalizing homes for families in need. On Oct. 14, KCNSC employees, along with friends and family, contributed over 600 volunteers to complete repairs on 13 homes across the Kansas City area. The project was further strengthened by the involvement of the Kansas City Field Office and the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC), whose members assisted in various tasks, from painting and landscaping to repairing essential household systems. This collaborative effort not only enhanced the lives of homeowners but also fostered a strong sense of community and service, underscoring the power of teamwork in creating lasting change for homeowners and volunteers alike.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico

The KCNSC’s commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) continues in Albuquerque, with Jeff Conner, New Mexico Operations Director, serving as the President of the Board of Directors for the local chapter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico (BBBS).  In 2024, NMO marked another year of engagement and support for BBBS, and received the nonprofit’s Longevity Award. 

This year, NMO raised $8,000 for BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake. NMO employees also volunteered at the nonprofit’s Halloween Spooktacular, decorating paper pumpkin, ghosts and bats. In November, volunteers participated in BBBS’ Discovery Festival, an annual STEAM expo that welcomes more than 1,000 students from across the state. In addition to serving as title sponsor, the NMO team led a LittleBits circuit building activity. 

Little Blue River Cleanup

In 2024, over 60 volunteers from KCNSC participated in the Little Blue River Rescue cleanup in Missouri, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. Together, KCNSC employees, friends and family worked to remove 60 discarded tires and collected nearly 100 bags of trash, significantly improving the health and beauty of the river and its surrounding areas. Their efforts not only helped protect local wildlife and water quality but also showcased the power of teamwork in making a lasting impact on the environment.