11-Year-Old Tijuana Boy Sells His Toys to Feed Family After Mother Loses Her Job
Some communities were lucky enough to be spared by the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic impacts of the deadly SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have left millions getting unemployed. This had led to families struggling to find ways to pay for their daily needs and bills.
Across Latin America
This situation is also present in different parts of Latin America. Millions of Latinos working in the informal economy, receiving only a little government help, are greatly affected by the current pandemic.
Regardless of the challenging economic situation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people are getting creative ideas to keep their families fed and their bills paid.
A Boy from Tijuana
A boy named Alexis, who lives in Tijuana, has gone viral for selling his toys in exchange for food, says an article.
The 11-year-old boy had to take a step to help feed his family during this challenging period. The challenges brought by COVID-19 had made a lot of people to reevaluate their priorities and find ways to offer help to those who need one.
The little boy saw what his family is going through and his family's tight financial condition brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the reason why he got creative and expressed his selflessness by selling all his toys to bring food to the table.
Mother is Not Working Anymore
According to Alexis, he is worried that his mom is not working anymore. Also, he shared that he had two abuelos. Additionally, his grandfather was blind and needed to have surgery. However, his operation was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
He asked his mom how he can help the family. Then, he got the idea to sell most of his precious belongings, his toys. He had offered people to exchange his toys with food for his family.
People Showing Up to Help
After his story went viral, a lot of people had shown up to offer help.
The family was overwhelmed with the support they have been receiving. Also, they were able to share some of the donations to other families who are facing similar challenges.
It Had Not Been All Positive News
According to the family of Alexis, after they went viral, her mother's cellphone was stolen by a well-wisher who had dropped off to the residence of the family to give food. However, after her mother's phone was stolen, they were not even given any donation from the robber.
Sadly, it hasn't all been positive news since their story went viral.
The local news had publicly shared the address of the family so that people can easily provide aid for them. However, someone took advantage of the information.
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Unemployment in Mexico
Mexico had been having difficulties containing the COVID-19 outbreak, and Baja California is one of the countries suffering from the COVID-19 crisis.
The streets that were once filled with many vendors are now selling face masks and hand sanitizers.
According to a warning from economist José Luis Contreras Valenzuela, a lot of businesses in the country are suffering due to a reduced number of customers. This decrease will eventually lead to more staff layoffs.