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Cuidando Lo Nuestro is a weekly community spotlight presented in partnership with United Way of Laredo, highlighting local service, volunteer efforts and resources for families.<\/p>\n
Zach Davis\/Laredo Morning Times<\/p>\n
Peggy M. Duncan, United Way of Laredo Executive Director<\/p>\n
Courtesy\/United Way of Laredo<\/p>\n
Hope everyone is having a great Sunday! This week we had our monthly United Way agencies meeting. Every month, we get together at a different agency location to learn about their programs, services, successes, challenges, clients and needs. This month\u2019s meeting was at the Casa de Misericordia Education Center. We got to see the smiles on the children\u2019s faces as they enjoyed the summer camp at Casa.<\/p>\n
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The July meeting was co-hosted by the Salvation Army. During her presentation, Major Candee Elias shared photos of the children enjoying the Salvation Army summer camp in Dallas. Several of the members of the local group were able to travel with Major Elias to the one-week summer camp. Major Elias also noted that they were still looking for volunteer bell ringers for their \u201cChristmas in July Kettle Campaign\u201d. She also mentioned that the event would only be taking place on Fridays at Wal-Mart.<\/p>\n
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At the meeting, we were reminded of two upcoming events that I would like to highlight. Communities in Schools (CIS) will be having their 4th Annual Light the Way Dance Party on Saturday, August 1st at the Casa Blanca Event Center located at 5064 E. Saunders. The event is \u201cAll for a brighter future\u201d and will support scholarships and student success initiatives. Come dance the night away and enjoy the great music entertainment featuring the Jolly Ranchers, Push and DJ Slink-E. For more information, tickets, tables or sponsorship opportunities call CIS at 956.791.2199.<\/p>\n
The other upcoming event that you definitely do not want to miss is the South Texas Food Bank\u2019s Laugh Out Hunger \u201926: An Evening of Laughter Making a Difference. Presented by H-E-B Hunger Relief, you can plan on an unforgettable evening of entertainment, community spirit, and philanthropy benefiting hunger-relief efforts across South Texas. The event is scheduled for Friday, August 14, at Sames Auto Arena, featuring nationally acclaimed comedian Steve Trevi\u00f1o, \u201cAmerica\u2019s Favorite Husband.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Laugh Out Hunger \u201926 promises a night filled with laughter, its purpose is deeply meaningful. Proceeds from the event will help the South Texas Food Bank continue providing food assistance to thousands of children, families, seniors, and veterans throughout our eight-county service area, which includes Webb,\u00a0Zapata, Jim Hogg, Val Verde, Starr, Maverick, Dimmit, and Kinney counties.<\/p>\n
With the support of organizations like the United Way of Laredo, each year, the South Texas Food Bank distributes more than 20 million pounds of food through a network of partner agencies, direct distributions, and specialized programs designed to address food insecurity in our communities. As inflation and rising living expenses continue to place additional strain on household budgets, the need for food assistance remains significant. Support from events such as Laugh Out Hunger plays a critical role in ensuring that nutritious food reaches our neighbors when they need it most.<\/p>\n
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Adding to the excitement this year is the Laugh Out Hunger Raffle, offering participants the opportunity to win an impressive collection of prizes while supporting a worthy cause. The grand prize is a 2026 Mercedes-Benz, along with additional prizes generously donated by community partners, including Skintology Spa, Joe Brand, Bricks & Tile, and Kendra Scott.<\/p>\n
Raffle tickets are available for $100 each, and every ticket purchased helps support the South Texas Food Bank’s mission of fighting hunger and feeding hope throughout South Texas. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through the raffle will directly benefit the Food Bank’s hunger-relief programs.<\/p>\n
Community members are encouraged to join us for this special evening and become part of the effort to create a hunger-free South Texas. Whether through event sponsorships, table purchases, raffle participation, or individual attendance, every contribution helps make a lasting impact on the lives of local families. Together, we can share a night of laughter while helping ensure that no family in South Texas goes hungry.<\/p>\n
For more information about Laugh Out Hunger \u201926, sponsorship opportunities, raffle tickets, or event details, please visit southtexasfoodbank.org\/laugh<\/a> or call the South Texas Food Bank at 956.726.3120.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Mark your calendars<\/p>\n AMERICAN RED CROSS: VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED<\/p>\n The Red Cross is looking for volunteer leaders in our community to fill various capacities for Disaster Preparedness & Community Engagement. For more information contact gabriel.castillo@redcross.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH: HEALTHY HOMES WORKSHOP <\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Please join us for a training that will help you understand the connection between housing & health. The workshop takes a holistic approach to identify and resolve problems that threaten the health and well being of residents, especially children. The workshop focuses on the eleven \u201cKeep It\u201d principles of a healthy home. The free presentation will be in both English & Spanish on Tuesday, July 21st at the Embassy Suites by Hilton located at 110 Calle Del Norte from 8 am to 4 pm. Register @ https:\/\/elpasottuhsc.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_6x5bffnUrGzZpae<\/a>. For more information call 915.215.8917 or email: swcpeh@ttuhsc.edu<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE BLOOD DRIVE: LAREDO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<\/p>\n Everyone is invited to come out and support the Laredo Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 22nd from 10 am to 3 pm. It will be at the Chamber of Commerce office located at 5702 McPherson Suite 8 B. Contact Monica Martinez at monica@laredochamber.com<\/a> for more information or to schedule your appointment.<\/p>\n IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: HEB FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Join us for the\u00a0HEB Free Family Fun Night every Friday in July 24th & 31st at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. There is free admission for everyone from 6 pm to 9 pm. For more information, please call 956.728.0404.<\/p>\n LAREDO STROKE SUPPORT: CAREGIVERS MEETING<\/p>\n The caregivers meeting for stroke survivors is on the last Monday of every month (July 27th). It is a place where caregivers share their unique challenges and learn that they are not alone. Healing extends beyond the survivor; this group is dedicated to helping caregivers find strength. The meetings are at 6 pm at San Martin de Porres Church. For more information visit www.laredostrokesupport.org<\/a>, email knowstroke956@gmail.com<\/a>, or call 956.775.5774. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.<\/p>\n LAREDO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: WOMEN\u2019S FORUM <\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Laredo Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 2026\u00a0IBC Women\u2019s Forum an inspiring evening dedicated to leadership, empowerment and community impact. Stephanie Kendrick, President of La Quinta by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will be the keynote speaker. The event will be on Thursday, July 30th at 5:30 pm at the IBC Annex Ballroom for more information contact Monica Martinez at 956.722.9895.<\/p>\n AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC): RALLY UP 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE <\/p>\n To create awareness,\u00a0AHEC will be having a RALLY UP event on Friday, July 31st from 11:30am to Noon. They will be meeting on the corner of McPherson and Del Mar. You are invited to join them and wear your 988 T-shirt or the color purple to remind everyone that You are not alone. For more information, contact AHEC at 956.712.0037.<\/p>\n COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS: 4TH ANNUAL LIGHT THE WAY DANCE PARTY Are you ready to dance the night away? Call all your friends, and put on your best 80\u2019s attire! You can purchase individual tickets, but better yet the different sponsorship opportunities will get you additional food and beverage accommodations, treats and party favors. The event is on Saturday, August 1st at the Casa Blanca Event Center. Call CIS for more information 956.721.2199.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n GATEWAY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER: BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH FAIR On Saturday, August 1st, Gateway Health Center will be giving out free school supplies and offering dental screenings, blood pressure checks, and providing health education resources for those with and without insurance. School supplies (including clear backpacks) will be given out to children ages 4+ (while supplies last). The student must be present to receive supplies and services. The Health Fair will be from 9 am to 11 am at their Central Clinic located at 1515 Pappas St.\u00a0<\/p>\n MYKE\u2019S PURPOSE: 5K RUN\/WALK FOR A PURPOSE The community is invited to participate in Myke\u2019s 5K run or walk to help support the awareness, education, and prevention of substance abuse overdoes in Laredo. The event will be on Saturday, August 1st at North Central Park. Pre-registration is $25 while on-site registration will be $35. For more information contact Marina Media at 956.740.0633.<\/p>\n