Connie Isbell, a Lincoln County resident, raises chickens and is affectionately referred to as “the egg lady” by the staff at The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter. Isabell’s brood has gone from a few hens to 200 in about two and a half years. She describes the morning and evening routine of caring for the chickens as her “own form of therapy” and says she enjoys their different personalities.
When she has enough eggs or tomatoes and other veggies from her garden, Isbell can be found at the Ruidoso Downs Farmer’s Market held on Saturday mornings at All-American Park.
Isbell donates overflow eggs to the women and children at The Nest because she believes they deserve it. “The Nest is so important for those in need who don’t have an alternative to get away from bad situation,” she explained.
Hadley’s Fruit Market, located at 1133 Mechem Drive in Ruidoso, is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. According to owner Sally Wimberly, “We get a truck three times a week with the freshest vegetables and fruits from a small supplier. Then as local produce is ready, we have that delivered or go get it ourselves. Starting with cherries and apricots from La Luz and then local produce from the Hondo Valley, Carrizozo, Nogal, and Capitan.” They also carry fresh eggs, honey, preserves and jams, and baked goods.
Wimberly said, “We chose to donate to The Nest because it is a wonderful addition to our community and we feel good donating fruits and vegetables to the women and children at the shelter!”
“When local residents and businesses donate to the shelter, it always warms all of our hearts,” said HEAL Board Secretary Pat Shukis-Fraser. “And when the donations are farm-fresh, nourishing foods like the eggs from Connie Isbell or the fruits and vegetables from Hadley’s Fruit Market, they also warm the spirits of the women and children who call The Nest home. For that, we are sincerely grateful.”