Santa Fe, NM - State Parks urges you to make a difference in the lives of others by donating just a few dollars of your tax refund to two incredibly worthwhile programs benefitting all New Mexicans.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
The only state park in America dedicated to Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park is on the New Mexico Voluntary Contributions Schedule. Your income tax contributions will allow the park to upgrade lighting and meaningful exhibits this year, and continue to provide a memorable and educational museum experience that honors our veterans. Your contributions are especially important because the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park never charges entrance fees.

Kids 'n Parks Transportation Grants
Kids and State Parks go together like New Mexico and sunshine! The Kids n' Parks Transportation Grant Program provides transportation services for field trips to a state park. Since 2007, State Parks has provided 149,867 fun, exciting and relevant outdoor classroom experiences for kids statewide. You can help give every New Mexico child at least one educational, outdoor experience in a state park.

"Far too many New Mexico children do not have the opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of an outdoor educational experience," said State Parks Division Director Tommy Mutz. "Getting kids familiar with and comfortable in nature, in our State Parks, can get them started on the road to healthier, more active lifestyles."

To make a contribution using a tax refund, check off the box that reads, "Refund donations" on the New Mexico Personal Income Tax Return (PIT-1) and attach a PIT-D, New Mexico Voluntary Contributions Schedule. If you are not due a refund, contributions may be directly sent to the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505.

The 2014 PIT-D forms and instructions can be found are at: http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/Individuals/personal-income-tax-forms.aspx