Hello. My name is Maria Kuypelyan and I am a community member and community advocate from the Antelope Valley. I would like to premise that this GoFundMe is for a community member in the neighboring city of Pacoima. I was contacted by the owner of a barbershop to collect funds for Manuel, a local fruit vendor. Manuel is wheelchair-bound as he had both his legs amputated. Manuel works every day by selling oranges in the city of Pacoima. Unfortunately, he is in dire need of a new wheelchair in order to maintain his everyday lifestyle and continue his honest work. This fundraiser is to collect funds for Manuel to purchase a new wheelchair. Manuel is a kind and hard-working member of the community; therefore, we hope that our community members may be able to help this cause.

I am looking forward to helping Manuel thrive by creating this GoFundMe. With your generous support, we will be able to provide the funds to Manuel in which he will be able to purchase a brand new and reliable wheelchair. We are aiming to fundraise $1,700 to cover said expenses. Any amount is greatly and deeply appreciated. In advance, thank you for your generosity and willingness to help a fellow community member and vendor in need.