Alex Diaz may be operating a small, local business. But the South Medford High School senior is making a big impression on younger students.
Diaz donated a variety of school supplies to Kids Unlimited Academy in late August utilizing funds from his snack cart, El Vaso Loko. “Crazy” fruit cups with Mexican candies and aguas frescas are the specialty of Diaz’s mobile food unit launched a year ago. Diaz said he hopes to inspire other kids to be the next wave of entrepreneurs.
“I just wanted to give something back,” said Diaz, who plays football for the South Medford Panthers.
A carload of crayons, gluesticks, erasers, notebooks, folders and backpacks recently accompanied Diaz and his mother, Yoli Diaz, to KUA. Diaz said he intended to supply an entire classroom at the public charter school with educational necessities.
The Diazes’ connection to KUA is decades in the making. Yoli said she has known KU founder Tom Cole since she and her husband attended Phoenix High School. Cole began his work in youth development locally at a Boys & Girls Club in Phoenix. The family also has connections to Lady Panthers basketball, the state title-winning program that Cole has coached for 17 seasons.
El Vaso Loko pops up at Southern Oregon’s special events, including Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival. Follow the business on Instagram @_elvasoloko
