I will be leaving for Mexico this weekend as part of the Grand Rapids Sister Cities International Delegation including Mayor Heartwell, for the final signing with the City of Zapopan, Jalisco.

Located in the central region of the State of Jalisco, Mexico, Zapopan is a city of more than one million people, and has recently been referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico” due to the number of international firms and foreign direct investment in high technology development.  In addition to 13 colleges and universities with campuses in Zapopan, the city has a broad range of health facilities from federal programs free of cost for families and children, to major hospitals and clinics. The city also offers a wide variety of cultural entertainment, convention and conference centers, sports clubs and recreational areas.

This past June, a delegation from Zapopan came to Grand Rapids where we held the first official signing led by Ing. Juan Sanchez Aldana Ramirez, Municipal President of Zapopan.

Our new Sister City in Zapopan, Jalisco is now part of the other Sister Cities in the Grand Rapids network including: Bielsko-Biala, Poland; Ga District, Ghana; Omihachiman, Japan; and Perugia, Italy.

Watch for my blogs and if you Twitter, you can follow evaweva on my trip. I will also be visiting Televisa and TV Axteca, two of their television networks in Guadalajara.

With all the turmoil going on right now in our economy, gas prices, foreclosures, unemployment and everything else I can’t help but think of the youngest victims ….our children.  While we try and figure out what all this may mean to our families, many others are wondering what it will mean for our kids. There are many organizations that are looking ahead at the Holiday Season and wondering how can we provide for those in need.

The Salvation Army receives countless requests for help throughout the year but it is now that we also think of our children. The Angel Tree Toy Drive is a partnership that WOOD TV8 and the Salvation Army have been working on together for more than 15 years. It is quite simple, we collect toys and gifts for newborn to 16 years old for those in need who may not otherwise receive anything during the Holidays.

Right now is the time to act. We are asking for businesses, organizations, schools or churches to sign up to be an Angel Tree Toy Drive donation site. The need is great this year with a goal of 50,000 toys. Last year we fell short in some areas.  

Make a child smile this holiday and consider either being a donation site or donate a gift.  This generousity has always been a great thing about West Michigan, despite our troubled times, we don’t forget about those in need. For that I thank you.