A Raid Rattled Their Block. Now This Latina-Owned Bilingual Playroom Needs Help Staying Open

Luna y Cielo, a bilingual play café in Logan Square, faces potential closure due to a significant drop in patrons following a federal immigration raid on October 3. During the raid, agents deployed tear gas near the café, leading many parents and caregivers to avoid the area. Owner Vanessa Ávalos, who opened the café to provide cultural education to Latine children, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign with a target of $10,000, having raised nearly $9,000 as of Wednesday. The café offers various programs, including Spanish classes and seasonal events, but has struggled with slow business and rising operational costs. Ávalos expressed concern over the impact of the raid on community trust, as some parents reported being discouraged from visiting.

To supplement the GoFundMe, Luna y Cielo raised an additional $5,500 through an in-person fundraiser called Juntos por Luna y Cielo. The café serves families from across Chicago, emphasizing the importance of cultural education. Ávalos is considering introducing program sponsors to help stabilize finances during slower months.