Helping the needy runs in this family

Antonio (Tony) and Natividad Moreno set a good example.

“My family loves to help people. That’s just the way my grandparents raised my parents, and it’s how my parents raised my sister and me.

“When we lived in the Rio Grande Valley, in a little town called San Benito, we were about 20 minutes from the Mexico border. We would see people who had crossed the border walking down the street, and they needed food or were looking for work. So my grandfather would put them to work cutting grass on our big lots.

“He would say, ‘You come help me for the day. I’ll feed you and give you a little money to get you back on your way.’ Usually, it was men who had left their families behind. They would try to get on with the farms and pick cotton or whatever vegetables were in season. Then they would turn around and take the money they earned back to their families.

“I realize that some people don’t agree with doing something like that. But it’s just the way my grandfather and grandmother were. They always thought it was the right thing to do. They always wanted to help people.

“My grandparents have passed away. But our family still helps people. We do things to provide for needy families around here. I’m proud that we’re carrying on that tradition. We’re pretty compassionate about helping those who have a genuine need. I love that about my family.”