Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There were smiles throughout the Bahía on the first day of school, January 7, as Toys for Tots deployed dozens of caravans to distribute toys to low income kids who might otherwise receive no gifts during the Christmas season.

This year the lucky "Kings," or Reyes, had 7,500 toys to give away, up from 5,500 last year. The 2,000 extra smiles included a first for Puerto Vallarta, as a volunteer boat owner transported 100 toys to Quimixto, a remote community accessible only by water. We've in the past done a few airlifts to supplement our land journeys, so what's next after boats? Delivery by drone?

The funds needed to purchase 7,500 toys at steep discounts from a Guadalajara distributor came from 2 major fundraisers in early December, and the generosity of many local sponsors. A golf tournament donated entirely by the Vista Vallarta Golf Club, and a gala dinner/dance 100% covered by the generosity of the Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa, raised in excess of $300,000 pesos. Other generous donors including Patron Tequila, Honda, Four Seasons, Intercam, and many others brought our total available to purchase toys to in excess of $350,000 pesos.

We want to particularly thank the 100's of supporters who attended our fundraisers and assisted in distributing toys to the neediest amongst us. As we all know, children need, and deserve, more than just the very basics such as beans, rice, and clothing. Their inclusion in the traditions of Christmas adds to their self confidence and hope for the future, while providing joy and relief from the difficult lives they lead.

We'll be back in 2015 for the 16th year of Toys for Tots in Vallarta, led by our traditional sponsors Navy League, Marriott, Vista Vallarta, and many others. We welcome new sponsors and supporters. For information, you can contact Navy League President Jerry Lafferty at laffja(at)aol.com, or Marriott PR Director Lourdes Bizarro at Lourdes.bizarro(at)marriotthotels.com.