Help Mario Save Vacuums Of America!

10 years ago I was driving 9 year old Mario all over Houston exploring vacuum stores.  My special abilities Mario had always loved vacuums.  The physical process of vacuuming had always helped Mario feel grounded and calm. On this occasion we where searching for the perfect Oreck vacuum to add to his growing collection of Hoover, Bissell, and Sharks.  At each Vacuum store, when I introduced Mario and requested he be able to test out some vacuums, we where met with somewhat dismissive attitude to outright rude rejection saying they do not allow children to run the machines.  This of course was heartbreaking each time for Mario, but we pressed on.  On our 5th store we discovered Vacuums of America in The Woodlands TX.  As soon as we stepped foot in the vacuum paradise I knew Mario had discover his soul mates.  The owners Laco and Karla Canchola and their son Ricky greeted us like long time friends, they let Mario test vacuum after vacuum, climbing up on ladders to get vintage vacuums down, openning boxes of brand new vacuums, even strapping commercial back pack vacuums on his back. I remember Marios over the moon delight so vividly, we ended up spending several hours with this amazing family.  This began a weekly voyage to Vacuums Of Amerca that has lasted 10 years.  When Mario was 15 they invited him to come in and apprentice as a vacuum tech.  They made him a crew staff T-Shirt, and even brought him offsite to carpet cleaning jobs.  He LOVES working there weekly and is so very anxious to go back once our areas Covid numbers are lower.  Mario and I have often talked about his career dreams of working full time at Vacuums Of America with the ever so wonderful Canchola Family.  Then Covid hit all of our businesses HARD.  My business revenue instantly dropped a huge hit.  Laco’s Vacuums Of America was hit even harder.  Over the last year this remarkable family has persevered overcoming so many challenges to stay safely open for all their loyal customers. All the while allowing Mario to clean and service vacuums at his home shop (our garage).




I just became aware that Vacuums of America is in a crises moment.  Despite all of their hard work and sacrifices due to Covid, they have fallen behind in bills.  Vacuums Of America DESPERATELY needs $9,700 by May 8 or they will be forced to close their doors forever! Mario is so worried, he LOVES Vacuums Of America so very much.  Last night he asked me if he could give the Canchola’s some of his Lawn Mower Trailor money he has been saving.  What a great idea! Why don’t we start a Gofundme campaign and ask all of your Mighty Mario fans to join you in your donation?!


Mario and I have decided to start off this “Save Vacuums Of America!” effort with $1000 each.  Would you please join us?