Your Rio Rancho Ford Dealer Shows Up for Community
From June 14 to June 28, something special happened at Chalmers Ford. Our lot became more than a place to explore vehicles—it became a place where neighbors helped neighbors.
We partnered with Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity for a two-week ReStore donation drive. Customers, employees, and residents brought in gently used household items, from tools and lighting fixtures to nightstands and décor. Every single donation will help stock the Habitat ReStore, where sales support affordable home construction and repairs right here in Central New Mexico.
With a Habitat-branded truck parked near our front doors, the message was simple: this was about more than spring cleaning. This was about building community together.
Why We Do This
This drive was part of Ford Motor Company's "Building Together" campaign, but honestly? It's just who we are at Chalmers Ford.
"Giving back is part of our DNA," said Gary Housley, President of Chalmers Ford. "We're proud to be a top-performing Ford dealership in Albuquerque, but even prouder to be a part of a community that supports one another."
It's that simple. Real people helping real people.
Two Weeks of Consistent Support
Over the course of the drive, the Habitat ReStore truck steadily filled with gently used tools, furniture, and home goods. Whether folks were dropping off a few light fixtures or unloading larger donations, each day saw new donations.
“What stood out most was the consistency,” said Chris Taylor, General Sales Manager. “Every day, we saw that truck getting fuller, and that meant more families would benefit.”
Local radio station KDSK 92.9 was on site for two live remotes as well, helping spread the word across Albuquerque and beyond.
A Partnership That Works—Locally and Nationally
Our relationship with Habitat for Humanity isn't new. Over the years, we've sponsored build days, supported employee volunteering, and provided funding to their SWAT Team, a group of skilled retirees who work hands-on at construction sites around Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.
What’s exciting is that this local momentum now connects to something even larger.
This summer’s ReStore drive was part of Ford’s new Building Together initiative—a nationwide effort to bring dealerships, employees, and nonprofit partners into deeper alignment on community service and disaster response. Ford is expanding employee volunteer benefits, launching vehicle-loan programs for nonprofits, and shining a spotlight on key partners like Habitat for Humanity.
“Being part of Ford Building Together gives local efforts like ours even greater purpose,” said Andy Strebe, General Manager at Chalmers Ford. “It’s powerful to know that our donation drive here in Rio Rancho connects to something bigger—a national movement where Ford dealers, employees, and nonprofit partners are all working toward the same goal: strengthening communities and showing up when it matters most.”
At Chalmers, we’re proud to be your Rio Rancho Ford dealer, but we’re also proud to be part of a broader Ford family that’s reimagining what it means to give back—with real people, real time, and real impact.
“The Chalmers Ford team truly embodies what it means to be a community partner,” said Liz Vincent, Director of Development at Habitat. “Their visibility, energy, and heart made this event a success—and we’re so thankful for their continued support.”
Real Impact for Real Families
While we're still counting final donation numbers, the real result is already clear: every item that went into that truck represents hope for local families.
"Each donation helps fund homes and critical repairs for families in need," said Bill Bidal, Executive Director of Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. "We can't do this work alone. Thanks to Chalmers Ford, we don't have to."
What's Next?
While the ReStore drive has wrapped, our commitment hasn’t. We’re continuing conversations with both Ford and Habitat for Humanity about future opportunities to serve, possibly including a Drive 4 UR Community event later this year.
In the meantime, our Chalmers Cares team will keep doing what we do best: turning service into action and supporting the causes that matter to our customers and our community.
How You Can Help Year-Round
Want to support the ReStore anytime? It's easy:
Donate: The ReStore accepts furniture, appliances, home décor, and building materials. Drop off donations at their Albuquerque location Tuesday-Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM.
Shop: Find great deals on quality items while supporting affordable housing. Visit the ReStore at 1424 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque.
Volunteer: Join a build day or help at the ReStore. Learn more at habitatnm.org.
See It in Action
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos from the drive and other community events. Search @ChalmersFord to stay connected.
Chalmers Cares is our ongoing commitment to supporting the people and programs that make our communities stronger. Whether it's local schools, service organizations, or youth development initiatives, we believe in giving back to the places we call home.
Real Value. Real People. Real Simple.