Cocos Corner Truck Fund

Coco, of the infamous Coco's corner in Baja California, is in need of a new vehicle.

I was on my way south on a solo excursion down toward San Juanico last week when I blew a tire on the rocky and unfinished Hwy 5 that connects the Sea of Cortez side to Hwy 1. Limping down to Coco's corner on my spare, I thought I'd say hi, have a beer and continue on down the road with the hopes of reaching Guerro Negro before dark. Sitting on the patio, a cold Pacifico in my hand (which he was going to give me for free), we began talking of the flat I just received.  I learned, via Coco's friend Danny, that there were numerous instances of Coco helping folks change their tires at the Corner, literally marching through the gravel on his hands and leather knee pads.It wasn't before long that Coco was insisting on providing me with a shower, some food and a place to stay for the night as to not risk another flat rushing into the dark to my next destination. During my stay, I help check the air on the tire's of Coco's truck, which had been graciously donated by volunteers a few years back. It was at this time that I learned the brakes were all but shot, requiring Coco to rely heavily on downshifting whenever he needed to make his routine trip to Ensenada to seek medical attention. Additionally, this very large and less-than-fuel-efficient vehicle was exerting an extra financial burden on Coco, who relies solely on the donations and meager profits he gains from selling beer and soda to those who pass through. Spending the evening at the Corner, hanging out with mere strangers in a the middle of the desert, I learned that there really are some genuine individuals out there. Coco will never be hesitant to lend a helping hand, give you a place to stay, a shower, food at the end of the night, and all without expectation of return. Even at 82 years of age, this man wakes up with a smile, a heart warming "Buenos Dias", and looks for the next opportunity to make someone's day. 

There's not too many people that embody this sort of spirit. In fact, I learned that several people have taken advantage of Coco's situation, stealing from him - in one instance, even removing the wheels from his wheel chair. My intention is to try to return the spirit of giving. Let's see if we can collectively give back to further propagate the sort of generosity that Coco stands for. 

I figured I'd start this GoFundMe page to raise money to purchase a smaller, more efficient, yet reliable vehicle that Coco can make modifications on to accommodate his transportation needs. If anyone has connections to a vehicle (i.e., Toyota Tacoma) that they'd be willing to donate, please leave a comment. Any additional funds will be given to Coco to help cover modification cost and cover some of his future travel/medical expenses. I'd like to be able to have a truck to drive down to Coco by the end of August, although if I can raise enough money and make arrangements sooner, I'd like to get Coco in some new wheels as soon as possible.

Thank you for your generosity.

-Grahm Gessner