Laredo's All-Volunteer Nonprofits Serve Thousands in Need

When Nancy Santos learned her breast cancer had spread at age 29, she discovered something almost as troubling as her diagnosis: Laredo had virtually no emotional support services for cancer patients.

So she created them herself. Today, the Laredo Cancer Society helps hundreds of patients pay for treatments, utilities, and travel to doctor appointments, run entirely by volunteers who donate their time.

Santos teamed up with Veronica Urrabazo and Dr. Mahani to launch the organization in 2015. Treasurer Sylvia Flores explains their unique advantage: "Because the organization is 100% volunteer based, 100% of the funds raised go directly to help patients."

The society assists with medical costs, mortgage payments, and even coordinates breast prosthetics for breast cancer patients. No administrative overhead means every donated dollar reaches someone fighting cancer.

Santos isn't alone in her volunteer-powered vision. The Laredo HSDA HIV/AIDS Service Consortia has operated the same way since 1991, filling gaps in state funding for people living with HIV and AIDS.

President Maria Elena Montemayor leads a board of doctors, religious leaders, and even HIV-positive clients who understand the needs firsthand. They provide food, gas money, prescriptions, and specialized appointments to anyone with confirmed HIV/AIDS in Webb or Zapata County, completely free.

A third organization, LOVED (Laredo Organized Volunteers for the Elderly and Disadvantaged), distributes emergency clothing and blankets during cold weather, school supplies for homeless families, and Thanksgiving meals for homebound seniors.

All three groups were co-founded by the late Dr. Henry Carranza, whose legacy continues through dedicated volunteers who've experienced similar struggles.

The Ripple Effect

United Way of Laredo Executive Director Peggy Duncan has watched these organizations transform countless lives without fancy offices or paid staff. What they prove is simple but powerful: when people channel personal pain into community action, everyone benefits.

The Consortia has extended life expectancies for HIV patients through early intervention and education. The Cancer Society has kept families in their homes during treatment. LOVED has warmed seniors and fed hungry children.

Each volunteer hour multiplies into measurable impact because overhead costs stay at zero.

These aren't just charitable organizations. They're proof that Laredo takes care of its own, one volunteer shift at a time.