Sonny Melendrez is a name which has been the subject of countless recognitions, but his greatest impact remains to be the work he has done--and continues to do--for youth and families in San Antonio and across the country.

This holiday season, if you have the means, consider being a part of the Angel Tree Campaign at a local Walmart, volunteer at our city Foodbank, or donate to United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.

It's important to remember that juvenile crime prevention starts in homes, neighborhoods, and schools. The more teens and young adults that are actively involved in their personal communities, the less there are engaging in delinquency.

By amplifying local causes, donating where we can, and volunteering towards the causes we believe in, we create the kind of world people like Kym believe in little by little. One "where people lead with love."

The downtown area is the lifeblood of San Antonio, and as such, it is an area that should be protected and improved constantly to reflect the changing needs of our growing city.

Local government is so much more than policy; it's about people. As constituents, we make up the civic fabric of our government, even if we don't recognize it. Your city officials have to know you, so shouldn't you get to know them too?