2020 Recipient

Deborah Duran, Welcome Home Realty

for MaskUp NM

Deborah Duran was recognized as a GAAR Good Neighbor for her contributions to Maskup New Mexico in 2020. Maskup New Mexico, a sewing group born out of the COVID-19 crisis when the supply of masks and materials was scarce.

Deborah created masks for First Responders, Native American communities, and the homeless. She personally donated funds and made over 2,000 masks at the beginning of the pandemic. 

Recognizing those who go above and beyond for the community, the Good Neighbor Award recognizes local REALTORS® for their charitable impact on the community. Good Neighbors are REALTORS® and Affiliates that dedicate themselves to volunteer service. They donate gifts, money, and – most importantly –  a lot of time to their charity. 

MaskUpNM
Since the founding of this group in April 2020, dedicated "Masketeers" have made more than 50,000 masks at no cost and delivered them across the state to those who need them most. More than 100 volunteers make that effort possible, many are runners, tailors, and sewers. Whether they donate 5 masks or 5,000, every donation is important.

Current Project
As schools begin in-person classes, masks are an important part of this discussion. Schools don’t have the funding to provide masks to children. Often a family may struggle to buy even the most basic of supplies, like pencils, notebooks, and clothing. Our goal is to help fill the mask gap.

How You Can Help

1.  Make a Monetary Donation
2.  Donate Fabric, Thread, Elastic & More
3.  Adopt a Sewing Machine
4.  Volunteer to Sew, Prep, be a Runner & More

Learn more at MaskUpNM