One of the major benefits of visiting a country like Mexico is that the prices are generally cheaper here compared to those NOTB. Unfortunately, one of the main reasons for this is that wages here are low and many people live on the edge of poverty.
It’s difficult to be a tourist here and not notice this reality.
In an effort to make life a little better here for the children involved involuntarily in this cultural soup, many organizations here in Vallarta hold Christmas toy drives. Here are the ones we know about:
QUE?PASA
For many years, the Que?Pasa bar at Aquiles Serdan 625 (Tel. 223-4006) has sponsored a Christmas Toy Drive that benefits local kids. On Christmas Eve, Santa visits the street and pinatas are broken and toys are distributed to the hoard of neighborhood youngsters from 4 to 13 years old. It’s a street party for the kids and the bar patrons who come to play Santa. Everyone wins.
CHRISTMAS AT THE DUMP – PUERTO VALLARTA
A yearly drive to provide the kids who live out by the old, now unused Puerto Vallarta dump. These are no dump kids any longer, of course, but these children are required to walk to the top of the old dump to get toys each Christmas. This year the goal is to give each kids a toy and a new pair of shoes. The accept tax deductible donations at a US non-profit organization, the Casa Jojo Foundation. Donated items may be dropped off locally at the Paradise Community Center, SETAC and PVRPV.
http://www.facebook.com/ChristmasAtTheDumpPV
TOYS FOR TOTS
Sponsored by the Vallarta Navy League and assorted large businesses, this massive toy drive is funded by a golf tournament and a gala dance/dinner and individual and corporate donations. All funds raised will be used to purchase toys for distribution to outlying communities in early January when school classes resume. All expenses are funded by generous local and International sponsors, so every peso raised will go directly to acquiring toys at extremely attractive prices from Mexican distributors. For more info: http://www.vallartanavyleague.org/