In this series:
"Life With Bonnie" star Bonnie Hunt on making a difference.
Breckin Meyer loves to make a difference with "pound puppies."
Comedian George Lopez helps folks back home
Emmy-winning talk show host Wayne Brady on helping
Moderator of "The View" recalls a poor boy
Papers lead readers to improve their cities
Never Give Up! By Dick Vitale
It's so Raven to help others

Do good with success

The TV comedian figured out how to get medical care and cultural support for the folks back home.

By George Lopez

I never want to see people in pain. I never want to see people who don't have things they need to simply get through life, like shoes, clothes or food. I don't like to see that, when poor people get sick, they will sometimes avoid going to the doctor because they have to choose between getting well or eating that day.

When I was growing up, I saw all of this around me but could do very little about it. Now, I can make a difference.

Three years ago, my wife, Ann, and I discussed with Richard Alarcón, a California state senator, ways to help the many needy people in the San Fernando Valley, where I grew up. As a result, the three of us created the Community and Arts Resources for Education Foundation, or, CARE.

We funded more than $110,000 in grants and scholarships in our first year alone, and that number just keeps growing. Thanks in part to a contribution from CARE, an organization called Meet Each Need with Dignity, or MEND, is getting a new truck with a large bed to support its emergency food distribution program, which feeds 30,000 people a month. MEND makes sure there are doctors and dentists on the scene to give free checkups and needed health care. Many of these people have high blood pressure or diabetes. Or they may be expectant moms who aren't taking the vitamins they need. They often don't go to a doctor's office because they can't afford it.

CARE's impact doesn't stop there. Here are other great efforts we're helping out with:

The César E. Chávez Memorial. We sponsored the construction of a statue of this hero in the city of San Fernando. The legendary advocate for farmworkers' rights died on my birthday in 1993. Today's generations sometimes forget about people who dedicated their lives to making constructive change. This memorial will keep César's passion alive.

The Latino Theatre Company. With budget problems, this was going to shut down, so we gave them a contribution to keep going. The vast majority of actors and directors and writers aren't doing network TV shows. They're out there, living hand to mouth. We need to support them.

The Young Senators Program. We supported this leadership-training effort for California high school seniors who are committed to their communities. As part of this, we sponsor an annual trip to the state capital, Sacramento, to learn about the legislative process. I want kids to learn more about leadership and government so they can make important changes in the way we live.

For more information on the CARE Foundation, e-mail leilani@LopezAlarconCARE.org or write to P.O. Box 529, Van Nuys, Calif. 91408.