JEREMY REYNALDS
Tel: (505) 400-7145 or e-mail jeremyreynalds@comcast.net

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO-Albuquerque's Tea Party, part of the National Tax Day Tea Party movement, is proud to join with Joy Junction Homeless Shelter in an April 15 Tax Day food drive to benefit Albuquerque's homeless.

The National Tax Day Tea Party movement is a grassroots organization dedicated to lower government spending and fiscal accountability,

The Albuquerque Tea Party says a crowd of thousands is expected between 4 and 7 p.m. at the Independence Grill, on Montgomery, one block west of Louisiana. The organization pointed out that with projections of a widening budget deficit and spending expanding exponentially at the federal level, Americans of all political stripes are coming together to demand that their representatives rein in spending and halt the pork barrel spending that currently dominates the political scene in Washington D.C.

The Albuquerque Tea Party said that in keeping with this theme, Albuquerque participants are urged to bring PORK and beans to donate to Joy Junction. Collection barrels will be set up at the registration area, and Joy Junction volunteers will be on site to receive donations.

Charlotte Salazar, Albuquerque Rally organizer said, "Joy Junction has been an integral part of the Albuquerque community for decades, accommodating up to 300 people each night and serving as many as 10,000 meals per month. As a successful organization that does not take any government money, we seek to honor its 'can do,' 'pay as you go' spirit."

She added, "Joy Junction serves as a prime example that charitable groups can survive and thrive without the aid of the federal government. Americans, in contrast to their national leaders, have had to tighten their belts. Shelters such as Joy Junction have been feeling the pinch. The Albuquerque Tea Party seeks to recognize its efforts and assist it during these difficult times."

Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds said, "We really appreciate the Albuquerque Tea Party reaching out to the city's homeless during this difficult economic climate. Joy Junction has experienced a resurgence of sympathy to the needy and homeless during these last few months, as people understand how close we all are to the edge. However, while we have more people interested in helping, they are giving less as a result of their own precarious financial situation. A drive of this magnitude is of great help to us as we feed more and more meals."