I own El Rio Grande Latin Market in a partnership with my family. Although we are Americans of Middle Eastern descent, there are many Latin American traditions in our Family from our time growing up in Puerto Rico.

The menus on our dinner tables are as diverse as our upbringing. Meals can vary from a steak to a falafel wrap or a tropical ceviche.

The first grocery store we opened is on Maple Avenue, just down the street from Children’s Medical Center Dallas. I remember patient families would come into the store because it was close to the hospital, and that’s what inspired us almost a decade ago to give to Children’s Health℠ through point-of-sale campaigns at the cash register. To us, the people who shop in our store aren’t customers — they are neighbors, and we want to support them.

There’s a real giving spirit during this season, regardless of your faith. The biggest thing we’ve learned over these last couple of years is that nothing is stronger or more beautiful than humanity.

People are looking for an outlet to give during the holidays. There’s no one more in need than sick children and their families, and we are proud to partner every year with Children’s Health.