Hays County celebrates the good work of Nosotros la Gente

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – To honor the 20^th anniversary of Nosotros la Gente (We the People) nonprofit, Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed the week of October 17-21 as Nosotros la Gente Week in Hays County.

Begun by former Hays County Commissioner Ralph Gonzales (father of current Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe), the nonprofit raises funds to buy shoes for San Marcos CISD school children who might otherwise go without. Nosotros la Gente also contributes funds to defray medical expenses of those in need.

Mr. Gonzales told the Court how he came to start the organization after losing a brother in the Viet Nam War and then visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. There, he found books in English and Spanish that sparked the idea of how to honor his brother and help the community.

 “My wife used to work at SMCISD, and I can tell you, those children are very proud to have a new pair of shoes,” Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., said.

The group – composed of 400 Nosotros la Gente members – works with volunteers, individuals and businesses to raise funds. To date, the “Viva Zapatos” shoe distribution has reached 20,000 needy children in SMCISD.  

The Court thanked Nosotros la Gente for its work and all those who volunteer and donate to the group and encouraged everyone to take part in the annual November turkey dinner that is the group’s main fundraiser. “I really appreciate everyone in this organization who puts in so much time and effort,” Commissioner Ingalsbe said, noting she is very proud of her father.