Ways you can help take care of your local community

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You can gain so much from helping your own community: not just in terms of personal benefits like learning new skills and making friends, but in generally making the lives of others so much better. Below are some proven ways you can display a charitable and caring heart in your local neighborhood.


Firstly, you can do your best to support businesses within your community. For example, instead of getting your daily groceries from huge supermarket franchises, you can buy from local producers, helping them further their small entrepreneurial endeavors. You can likewise show your support by attending community events and annual festivals, which aids in bolstering tourism for our hometowns.


Helping could also be a simple as extending that small gesture, like, say, collecting a sick next-door neighbor’s bills and letters from their mailboxes and handing these to them on your way home. Or now and then doing the shopping for the elderly in the community.

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Of course, the best way to help is still to be a volunteer. You can choose from a wealth of options to do so, from helping in conservation efforts like planting trees and community clean-up drives, consulting for an infrastructure project, mentoring the young, and assisting in charity work.


You can likewise help in or lead a fund-raising campaign or food drive for street children and the homeless, as well as donate books, used clothing, and toys to the local orphanage or public school. Get in touch with your area’s volunteer center and ask where your skill could be of best use.


Edgar Gonzalez aspires to help the Mexican community in Anaheim and other areas in Orange County. Since 2016, he has been a sponsor of Who’s Next Boxing Academy, which he has helped operate and maintain. For similar posts, visit this blog.

A look at the semi-charmed career of dog whisperer Cesar Millan

If you’re a dog person, chances are that you’ve already heard about or seen on TV Cesar Millan, the so-called “dog whisperer.” He has been one of the more popular figures in recent years when it comes to taking care of dogs or rehabilitating problematic ones. 

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But beyond Millan’s sold-out tours, dog conventions, and well-viewed shows on nature channels, what’s endearing about him as a person is his backstory. Millan began his career by deciding to take a risk and cross the borders from his native land of Mexico into the U.S. He was in his early 20s then, eager to have a slice of the American Dream. 

That illegal crossing was especially hard for the young Millan. He arrived in the streets of San Diego desperate and lacking in money, with no friends, and with barely any knowledge of conversational English. He struggled to find work, ending up homeless and living under a freeway. He eventually got a job selling hotdogs and earned a mere dollar per sale. 

He’d eventually impress dog owners with his assertive yet calming way of handling dogs while working at a grooming salon. Pretty soon he would begin walking dogs in the neighborhoods. And he would do so without having the animals in leashes. 

His growing dog-walking business eventually led him to founding the Dog Psychology Center in South Central Los Angeles, which handles dogs with behavioral problems. He started to catch the attention of the media, punctuated by a profile piece in the Los Angeles Times. The rest is, as they say, history: for the Mexican migrant who dared to dream big. 

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Edgar Gonzalez is a supporter of different causes that advocate the welfare of Mexican immigrants in Anaheim and the rest of Orange County, California. For more posts and success stories about migrants, visit this site.

Organizations Devoted To The Plight Of Migrants

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The story of the modern-day migrant continues to be coated in unhomeliness; most of them are forced to move from their homes and countries due to constant strife, natural disasters, and sheer poverty. But the world is paying heed. There is now an abundance of NGOs and other associations whose mission is to address this sad plight. Below is a list of some organizations committed to the cause of the displaced.

International Rescue Committee

This organization has been around for a long time, founded at the request of renowned scientist Albert Einstein. It is focused on providing support and aid to people affected by various humanitarian crises, from escape from war-torn parts of the world to resettlement programs.

National Immigration Law Center 

As the name suggests, this center is committed to providing legal advice for immigrants, especially those with low income. But beyond offering hands-on help, it is also keen on affecting policies and legislation for immigrants via its myriad advocacy campaigns and education programs.

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Families for Freedom

This organization has the far-reaching goal of helping former and present immigrant prisoners or detainees, providing support for migrant’s loved ones, and aiding individuals currently at risk of getting deported.

Make the Road New York

Other states in the U.S. should take the cue from what this organization is doing in the Big Apple, which is to aid mostly Latino working-class communities in the city via adult education classes and workforce training.

Edgar Gonzalez supports Mexican families in Anaheim and the rest of Orange County through different projects that prioritize their welfare. For more on Edgar’s work and charitable endeavors, check out this webpage.

The Ways Children Can Give Back To Their Communities

It’s never too early to teach our kids the important values of charity, empathy, and giving back. While charity does begin at home, we as parents must inculcate in our children the need to reach out and apply acts of kindness to our communities.

One way is to teach them to take care of the environment. Serving the Earth of course doesn’t necessarily mean taking our kids on an elaborate camping adventure; environmental awareness and respect can begin with asking them to pick up litter in around the neighborhood, helping you remove weed in the backyard, or making a feeder for birds.

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It goes without saying that as parents we should have our kids start in our immediate surroundings. Global charities can wait; kids would appreciate hands-on acts of charity better. Examples are shoveling snow or running an errand for a sick neighbor.

Empower children by giving them a chance to vote. Sit with them and ask which causes they are most interested in, while discussing what skills and resources you and your kids have to forward such causes. Donating food and blankets to the shelter, old toys to other needy children, or books to the local public school and library are some immediate endeavors with big impact.

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Edgar Gonzalez is a supporter of different causes for the welfare of Mexican immigrants in Anaheim and the rest of Orange County, California. For more on Mr. Gonzalez’ work and interests, visit this website.

Why Invest In The Youth?

Investing in the youth is investing in a sustainable future. The youth represents the world’s hopes and dreams. And yet, it seems as if not enough effort and programs are being implemented to provide the young ones knowledge and skills and a healthy environment that would mold them into becoming positive contributors to society.

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In fact, of the estimated 200 million unemployed individuals recorded across the world in 2014 by the International Labour Organization, 40 percent were 15 to 24 years old. While some of them had acquired hard-earned education and skills, they faced the unavailability of jobs or opportunities. Underemployment is still a challenge. These factors push up the number of NEETS (not in education, employment, or training).

Thus, investing in the youth means they receive proper education and training, and necessarily creating work or business opportunities for them.

In Minnesota, a study was conducted in 2017 about the economic gains of investing in the youth. The study showed that there was a return on investment rate of $2.72 dividend per dollar spent on quality youth programs. That number increases to $4.89 when it comes to high-risk youth. Conversely, the cost of not investing is significantly higher.

A high school dropout costs the nation anywhere from $243,000 to $388,000 —equivalent to $1.6 trillion in taxpayers’ money. This goes to show that we cannot afford to hold back investments in the youth and the future.

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Edgar Gonzalez advocates the welfare of the youth in several places including Anaheim, and supports philanthropic activities in line with this cause. For more discussions on participating in philanthropy, follow this Twitter page.

The Top Benefits Of Going To The Gym

A lot of people are due for a lifestyle change, especially those living sedentary lives. But while joining a health club or going to the local gym may be easy for some, it can require tons of motivation for others. Before you dismiss the thought again and get back to that couch, here are some awesome benefits of gyms to consider.

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Firstly, it’s never too late to make progress and change your poor health habits. You need not be a regular gym rat for years to see changes in your body and diet. There are many ways to track your progress nowadays, from physical coaches and apps on wearables. Just a few weeks into a gym program and you’ll reap the rewards, pushing you more to keep at it.

On a more basic level, think of gym time as a period to de-stress and detox. It lets your mind rest from the long day at work, clearing your thoughts and shooing away those problems. Just an hour into a workout regimen can remove you of your worries while deep inside knowing that the activity is making your body and mind better.

Thirdly, gyms are places to interact with others and socialize. You’ll meet like-minded people and discuss things that interest you among equally pro-active fitness buffs. If anything, these conversations with a regular support group should push you more to take care of your body. Having a gym buddy is ideal, as you could police each other especially when one lacks the drive to visit the gym. Conversely, if you’d rather be solitary instead, you can always put on those earphones.

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Anaheim resident Edgar Gonzalez is a family man who desires to see a community where children can grow up safe and happy. He regularly donates to Who’s Next Boxing Academy, a gym that helps children and teenagers living on the streets. For more info on Edgar’s charitable work, go to this page.