OUR STORY
In 2010 while in Tijuana filming interviews for a documentary, a deported friend from the Los Angeles area asked Ruben and his brother Charlie if they could bring him a basketball from San Diego the next time that they return to Tijuana. He stated that there was a basketball court in his neighborhood but none of the kids play because there is no basketballs, and says that he had done so many BAD things that he wanted to at least do one GOOD thing. We told him we would return in two weeks with that basketball and also bring toys and clothes for the kids in the neighborhood, at that moment the "Love Thy Neighbor Movement" was born.
We flooded social media with requests to come to Nittis Tattoo Parlor in Chula Vista, Ca and bring toys and clothes for kids in Tijuana. The community came together and the response was overwhelming. The LTN team sorted the toys and clothes and delivered the donations the very next day.
The following year in 2011 the event grew and Barrio Logan was the host for next 2 toys drives. These events have grown and highly anticipated in the San Diego Community. Other cities have followed suit to create the movement, The Los Angeles Renegades Roller Derby team has had their own charity bouts to bring in donations for LTN and in 2014 the Modesto Chapter launched and also had several events in Modesto including an outreach at Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall and a toy drive and art show.
Since its inception the LTN team has been invited to High Schools, Juvenile Halls, youth diversion programs with the SDPD, prisons, and churches.
We have been blessed to have community organizations and companies come along side us and LTN has grown to where they can now help the community in many more ways. We have organized several homeless outreaches in downtown San Diego to serve the growing homeless community.
Your toy donations and clothes donated to our annual events have benefitted children and families at the YWCA (homeless families in San Diego) , Es Por Los Niños in Tijuana (organization to help children with Aids), the Los Laureles neighborhood in Tijuana, Colonia Primo Tapia in Rosarito, The Training Center (men's home in Spring Valley Ca), Monarch School (homeless students in San Diego), Stand Up for Kids Shelter, San Ysidro School District, New Jerusalem (Haitian Refugee Shelter), Sonrisa De Angeles Orphanage in Tijuana, Lowrider Community in National City, Emilio Nares Foundation, as well as directly to the Homeless Community on the streets in downtown San Diego, and several private families with financial hardships that would not be able to provide a Christmas for their family.
Because of our resilient community work LTN has had the opportunity to work along side and get endorsements from some celebrity supporters such as P.O.D., Frankie J, Rey Mysterio and Andy Vargas.
In 2016 the Board of Directors was formed and finalized our own 501c(3) status. Also in 2016, LTN , alongside several community organizations coordinated the first annual PEACE GATHERING held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Love Thy Neighbor will continue towork towards blessing the community around with the resources we were provided.
BELIEFS & VALUES
The LTN Board of directors adhere to these fundamental statements:
To honor the commitment of philanthropy as established by its founders.
To act honestly and with integrity in all our transactions and dealings.
To love our neighbor as ourselves.
JOIN OUR MOVEMENT
If you would like to donate, volunteer or partner with us, please fill out the form below and we will respond to your request shortly. Thank you for reaching out and please LOVE THY NEIGHBOR!