Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - For the 17th consecutive year Toys for Tots Vallarta spread smiles galore among underprivileged children to wrap-up the holiday season. This year 8,000 toys were handed out one-by-one by a legion of volunteers fanning out from Cabo Corrientes to Nayarit.

More than 20 caravans led by representatives from the Navy League, American Legion, Marriott, U.S. Consular Agency and others visited carefully selected schools on Three Kings Day, January 6. Teachers and students alike were thrilled to see volunteers dressed as Kings descend upon their school early in the morning, bearing gifts and receiving songs and love in return from the kids.

In addition to giving away 8,000 toys, Toys for Tots this year generated enough funds to construct a number of playgrounds in some of the neighborhoods.

Since conception in 1999, Toys for Tots has given away more than 120,000 toys and built more than 10 playgrounds. Support from the PV community, including businesses, organizations and individuals, continues to grow. With us from the very beginning have been the Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa and Vista Vallarta Golf Club. Other major sponsors this year include Patron Tequila, Intercam, Honda, Punta Mita Properties, and Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Many other small businesses contributed cash and services.

We'd also like to thank the many volunteers who organized and carried out another very successful year of giving. In particular we should thank from the Navy League Fred and Dorothy Piontkowski, Bill Semeyn, Carol Smith, Joel Hart, Bill Liggett, and Jon and Zuly Murphy. From the American Legion, special thanks is due to Dennis Rike. Also Lourdes Bizarro from the Marriott and Kelly Trainor from the U.S. Consular Agency.

See you all next year at our many fundraisers benefitting Toys for Tots.