Local 9-Year-Old Recognized for His Work With the Homeless

A Long Beach boy who created his own charity to help the local homeless population received national recognition this week when he was named a semifinalist in Build-A-Bear Workshop's Huggable Hero community service recognition program.

Jonas Corona, 9, was chosen for his efforts to make the community a better place through his charitable organization known as "Love in the Mirror." Founded by Corona, the organization helps provide food, shelter and clothing to the Long Beach homeless community.

"Having the chance to help people in need is very important to me," Corona said in an email. "I would like to help end poverty around the world some day."

To date, Corona's charity has helped feed approximately 6,000 people and has collected more than 8,000 pairs of socks and 600 toys.

Launched in 2004, the Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heros program aims to recognize young people ages 8 to 18 for their outstanding community service achievements.

Corona was chosen as one of 80 nationwide semifinalists out of a pool of more than 1,000 applications. Finalists for the awards will be announced on May 30 with the final 10 Huggable Heros being announced this summer, organizers said.