Dear Sir,

I read last week’s column, “Fruitless debates,” by Dale Palfrey and found it quite interesting. I would, however like to add a bit to the information on where the term “gringo” originates.

Dear Sir,

I almost never read Ed Tasca’s column, but I happened to read the one in the May 30 issue. He stated, “Donald Trump was declared the dumbest president ... per capita.

Dear Sir,

My 1970 Football (Soccer) World Cup.

At 27 years of age, just on 50 years ago in less troubled times, I had the confidence of youth on my side. In my remaining days of bachelorhood I had money, and the advertisement in the newspaper submitted by James Vance Travel caught my eye.

Dear Sir,

I would like information on which of various foundations, services, etc, you might recommend for donations for personal protective equipment, food, etc., where the maximum amount possible goes to the intended recipient(s), especially non-profits, especially in Guadalajara. 

Dear Sir,

The core mission of Niños Incapacitados is to provide medical assistance to chronically ill children.

Dear Sir,

Thanks to voluntary contributions from the lakeside community, “Manitas Ayudando” has raised 103,177 pesos, with which 8,595 meals were served during April.

We don’t want this project to stop, so we hope to continue counting on your financial support to provide food to more families left vulnerable by the crisis we are suffering.

A contribution of 500 pesos will feed one person for a month. You can drop off your contributions at La Bodega restaurant in Ajijic, in an envelope to avoid any health risk.

Please write your name and contact information on the envelope so that we can thank you.

Manitas Ayudando has grown quickly in our first month and is now serving as many as 565 dishes daily.  The families that have benefited thank you for your support.

Javier Gonzalez Lopez, La Bodega Ajijic

Dear Sir,

I live in La Purisima barrio in Chapala and have developed another way we can assist in this crisis. Partner with your local abarrotes (corner store) to create despensas.

For example, contribute 100 pesos weekly, along with a group of ten neighbors, making a kitty of 1,000 pesos. The store will make up the despensas and offer suggestions on what items should be included. They can choose the ten families most in need in your barrio and distribute them each week, changing the contents when necessary.

It’s a win/win situation.  For any questions, contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Jaime Barbiery