Politicians, Hispanic Hollywood heavyweights work together to help the Colonias during pandemic

COLONIAS, New Mexico -- The Colonias have not been forgotten by current and former New Mexico elected officials.

The small city that gets very little attention was visited by former governor Bill Richardson and Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small to pass out badly needed supplies to aid the fight against Covid-19.

"So often the people in southern Doña Ana County feel like a stepchild, like they are not getting the help they need because they are so far from our state’s capital," said Torres Small.

Richardson is a part of a group that helps low income neighborhoods like the Colonias.  that also includes Hispanic Hollywood heavyweights Edward James Olmos, Danny Trejo, and George Lopez. The Covid-19 emergency fund for the southern Colonias of Doña Ana County was created to help those struggling to just keep food on the table.

The personal protective equipment given to the citizens of Doña Ana County were purchased by the group.  The group also helps in other ways.

“$300, $150 cash assistance to pay groceries, to pay a doctor's visit to buy food makes a big difference,” the former governor said.

The Hispanic Hollywood all-stars have never forgotten how they were treated by Borderlanders when they worked in the area.  Now, they are repaying the sentiment and Richardson is proud of his friends.

“All have filmed in this area and are contributing and are helping, is a matter of great pride to me,” he said.

Torres Small said she can see the work that has been done to protect her constituents.

“I'm just so proud of this community. What people are doing to protect themselves, their families and their communities. Taking precautions so we can responsibly reopen in a way that keeps all of us safe as well,” she said.