In Awe of a Couple’s Struggle

Regarding “Getting By, One Can at a Time” (Feb. 25): This article about the plight of Mexican immigrants in Southern California captivated the attention of my entire family and moved my father, sister and me to tears. I know the Garcia family is one of countless struggling families in our region, but I doubt that many handle their challenges with as much integrity, courage and perseverance as the Garcias.

These people are proud, and their dedication to their family is inspiring. I feel that calling attention to this family will only galvanize support for them and the many others in the same trying situation.

ERICA TARIN

West Covina

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If a picture is worth a thousand words, then your cover picture of Rogelio Garcia by Times photographer Genaro Molina is worth at least a million. What a testament to the human spirit and incredible work ethic of these two people. They put those of us who think we work hard for a living to shame.

CECELIA and CLIFF WAESCHLE

Malibu

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The inspiring story of Rogelio and Yolanda Garcia should have appeared on the front page of The Times. This remarkable couple, who have raised three successful children through endless hard work recycling bottles and cans, has a message for our “entitlement society”--hard work works.

University of California President Richard Atkinson should talk to Mr. and Mrs. Garcia before he pushes ahead with his plan to change entrance requirements for the UC campuses. With a daughter at UC Riverside and a son at MIT, these parents must know something about achievement through dedication and hard work in the face of adversity that Dr. Atkinson doesn’t understand.

CORNELIUS DEASY

San Luis Obispo

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What an amazing article about these wonderful parents. I’m a widow, paying my two children’s college expenses. As much as I love my children, I could never go through trash cans in the middle of the night to do so. I admire these people and hope that their children will take care of them after they graduate. This article should be required reading for a lot of people who feel society owes them a living and use that as an excuse to not go out and work for a living, no matter how menial the work. Good luck to this family.

MADELINE McDONALD

Westlake Village

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Editor’s note: The Times has received about 400 inquiries from readers offering to donate to the Garcias money, plane tickets to their son’s graduation, recyclables and clothes as well as a few jobs.