Latino celebrates another year of life but with gifts for others
A few weeks ago, Martin Ortiz began receiving gifts for his birthday, which he celebrates on October 19. However, these came not only from friends and local acquaintances but also from people from other states, such as Texas and Florida.
What makes these gifts so special is that none go directly to Ortiz, but rather for his annual toy drive for the needy children of Honduras.
For the tenth consecutive year, he has kept the promise of sending toys to the children of the non-profit organization A-Tuto, located in San Pedro Sula, and to the Children’s Comedor of his town Macuelizo, in the department of Santa Bárbara.
Ortiz, told La Opinion that giving gifts to others is a joy that he enjoys very much.
“I came to this country 16 years ago and for me it is a way of thanking all the blessings that God gives me such as having found jobs and learning a new language,” said the 37-year-old Honduran.
Among his most recent successes, he says that he managed to open his Ortiz Public Relations office in downtown Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic and that last week he was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year among the Honduran community in California by the Consulate General of Honduras.
A few weeks ago, Martin Ortiz began receiving gifts for his birthday, which he celebrates on October 19. However, these came not only from friends and local acquaintances but also from people from other states, such as Texas and Florida.
What makes these gifts so special is that none go directly to Ortiz, but rather for his annual toy drive for the needy children of Honduras.
For the tenth consecutive year, he has kept the promise of sending toys to the children of the non-profit organization A-Tuto, located in San Pedro Sula, and to the Children’s Comedor of his town Macuelizo, in the department of Santa Bárbara.
Ortiz, told La Opinion that giving gifts to others is a joy that he enjoys very much.
“I came to this country 16 years ago and for me it is a way of thanking all the blessings that God gives me such as having found jobs and learning a new language,” said the 37-year-old Honduran.
Among his most recent successes, he says that he managed to open his Ortiz Public Relations office in downtown Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic and that last week he was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year among the Honduran community in California by the Consulate General of Honduras.
The immigrant, who is a twin and has six siblings, said he came to the United States at age 19 with many dreams and goals. He began working in fast food restaurants and over time he was climbing professionally. He got to work on local television channels in front of and behind the scenes.
“I worked as a television and production assistant on Channel 62 and Channel 22 until they closed it,” said Ortiz, who by then was already more knowledgeable about the field of entertainment.
“As I already know many people through the media, I thought it would be a good idea to involve them to help others.”
Remember that the first three years of collecting toys was a bit difficult as he had to pay about $ 300 out of pocket to mail the toy boxes.
“And I don’t like that they give me money because I don’t want them to think that I’m going to use it for something else. But I make sure they give me new and unused toys, ”he stressed. “Children are always more excited when they know that the toys come from the United States.”
Over time and after making his cause known, more interested parties appeared to join Ortiz’s altruistic work.
The initiative grew to the point that, in years before the pandemic, some restaurant owners donated the town and snacks for him to carry out his birthday event and toy drive.
In addition, shipping companies were encouraged to charge only 50% of the total cost to ship the boxes. “I have sent three to four boxes per year,” he said.
Bring smiles to those most in need
He says that since he began his collection of toys, he decided to send them to the A Tuto Foundation, a Honduran horse riding association that is responsible for giving horse therapy to children and adults with special needs.
The other part of the toys goes to the children’s dining room in Macuelizo. Ortiz has had the opportunity to travel a couple of times to personally deliver the toys.
“From before I arrive they begin to say: ‘The guato is going to arrive’ -because that is what they say to the twins- and they already know that it is me … There we organized a party in the town,” he explained.
“With the help of others [benefactores] we buy cake, piñatas, we give the children a snack and the whole town joins in the celebration ”.
Ortiz said that he has come to distribute toys for up to 200 children only in Macuelizo and adults also receive a very original gift; a cup of cappuccino that in many cases they cannot afford out of pocket.
Ortiz said the toy drive is in October so that in early November he begins to fill the boxes and ship them. This year the parcel is estimated to be sent on November 8 and it will take about a month to arrive in Honduras, Ortiz said.
“We hope that there are no failures due to the problem of the ports and thus they arrive for
Christmas, ”he said.
From his office, which is located adjacent to the Honduran consulate general, he said he feels successful on a daily basis.
“Many people identify success with being millionaires but for me and many who have known success means doing what we love to do in order to help others,” he said.
To donate, you can drop off or mail toys for children ages 0-12 to the 3550 block of Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 930 Los Angeles, 90010.
The deadline is October 30. For more information call 1 (213) 375-7724.
