When we last left Jonas Corona, he was basking in the television glow of the Secret Millionaire episode featuring Love in the Mirror, the nonprofit organization providing disadvantaged youth and their families with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and learning materials that he (with a little help from mom Renee) founded at age six.
He’s been a busy boy since then, and his latest endeavor is a new way to give. Beginning tomorrow, kids ages five to 15 are encouraged to take part in a free, six-week workshop designed to empower kids to benefit their favorite causes. The G.I.V.E. (“grow | inspire | volunteer | educate”) Youth Empowerment Workshop will include guest speakers and “fun educational activities that teach [the children] about self-esteem, creative problem solving, public speaking and the media.”
“Since it is important for everyone to have the same opportunities, Love in the Mirror wanted to offer the kids in his community the chance to learn to do what he does and give them the tools and resources they might not otherwise have,” says an event press release. “The organization has been able to offer kids a chance to learn and transportation to this unique workshop thanks to a Disney VoluntEARS community grant, the generous support of the Long Beach Public Library’s co-sponsorship and the guest speakers who are volunteering their time and expertise to this great cause.”
The G.I.V.E. Youth Empowerment Workshop is a free program and will take place Tuesday evenings from October 30 through December 4 at the Dana Neighborhood Library, 3680 Atlantic Ave. For more information and to register, go to loveinthemirror.org.