Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - With the goal of providing timely care to vulnerable families, particularly during the rainy season, the System for Integral Family Development (DIF) of Puerto Vallarta, led by Ulloa Iris Godinez, has launched a food collection campaign.

The collection center was opened last Thursday on the esplanade in front of DIF Vallarta, located in the former regional hospital, and it will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

David de la Rosa Flores, COO of DIF Vallarta, said 16 temporary shelters are ready to cater to just over 3,500 people throughout the city and, to date, they have supported 20 families that were affected by recent rains.

These families are going through critical times, so collection modules have been installed in the kiosks of the city's main plazas, where people can make contributions of toiletries such as soap, razors and sanitary napkins; baby items like diapers, formula and baby food; and non-perishable foods such as oats, tetra pack milk, and instant coffee.

The collection also includes bottled water, toilet paper, milk powder, medicine, as well as clothing, blankets and furniture in good condition.

"I want to emphasize that we found, as expected, that local institutions, the media, and the general public have a strong desire to work together in support of the families going through a situation of vulnerability," said the official.

The official particularly thanked the media who, besides disseminating information to the public, are also supporting the families through the contribution of much needed items.

He urges everyone to heed the recommendations issued by the Department of Civil Protection, as it will be through them that the support that the vulnerable families receive is determined.