Otero College’s NTSO Donates to Ark Valley Hospice

On Feb. 22, 2023, members and sponsors of the Otero College Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO) donated $250 to Ark Valley Hospice from the proceeds of their Breast Cancer Awareness sale held in October. Pink fish and flowers were newly added this year to their regular roster of items for sale that included pens, key chains, and other selections.

According to JoEllen Netherton, CNA, Volunteer Coordinator and Family Services Assistant, “The monies we received will be used for patient care. We do not refuse care to anyone. There are many people who do not have insurance and cannot pay for their care, and we use donations to help cover the cost of the services that we provide.”

NTSO also coordinated a winter gear drive this year. Items that were collected were distributed to Otero students who needed help staying warm during the cold winter months.

On Wed. March 8 the group will be holding “Floats for a Cause” from 9 to 11 a.m., in the Wheeler Hall foyer with a portion of the proceeds going to Pawsitive Pathways. They will also be selling graduation shirts for the Otero Class of 2023. Orders will be taken but they will have some on hand for purchase. Proceeds from the sale will help the expenses of the NTSO spring trip.

The Non-Traditional Student Organization awards scholarships each semester and provides networking with other non-traditional students every other Friday.

For questions, contact Shawn Japhet at shawn.japhet@otero.edu or call 719-384-6862.