Marlon Moraga

Hi, my name is Marlon Moraga. I’m creating this fundraiser for my friend and former coworker, Axel Araya, someone I had the privilege of working alongside during his time in the United States. For nearly two years, Axel lived and worked here under a legal humanitarian program. During that time, I personally watched him do what many people only talk about — he worked hard, showed up every day with discipline, paid his taxes, respected the laws, and treated everyone around him with humility and gratitude. But more importantly, he became the kind of person others naturally wanted to help because he was always helping first. When recent immigration changes made his situation uncertain, Axel made a difficult but honorable decision: he voluntarily returned to Nicaragua before his permit expired, following the rules even though it meant giving up stability and starting over in a country where steady employment is extremely limited. He didn’t go back to wait for opportunities. He went back to build one. Axel wants to start a small personalized laser engraving workshop — not as a luxury business, but as a practical tool for honest work. With this equipment, he will be able to create: • Personalized keepsakes for families • Products for small businesses • Engravings on metal, wood, and leather • Meaningful handcrafted gifts In Nicaragua, services like these are often inaccessible to local entrepreneurs because industrial production is too expensive. A small workshop like this doesn’t just support one person — it supports a local economic chain: small shops, events, family businesses, and artisans. I will personally manage and transfer the funds to ensure they are used only for the equipment and startup costs. I will also share updates and proof of progress so donors can see the real impact of their help. --- Campaign Goal Laser engraving machine: $2,399 Shipping to Nicaragua: $200 Import and logistics costs: $100 Total: $2,699 --- This isn’t about charity. It’s about giving a hardworking person the chance to sustain himself honestly in his own country — and create opportunities for others at the same time. If you choose to help, you’re not just funding a machine. You’re helping start a small source of dignified income that can benefit a family and a community long-term. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page means just as much. Thank you for taking the time to read Axel’s story.