Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – The season of giving has arrived, and the Puerto Vallarta System for Integral Family Development (DIF) is calling on the community to spread holiday cheer to children in need through its annual toy drive.
With a goal of collecting 6,000 toys, this year’s campaign, called “Magic Caravan”, aims to deliver joy to underprivileged children from January 6 to 10, 2025, in celebration of Three Kings Day. DIF Vallarta’s president, Claudia Peña Gómez, encourages everyone to “Donate a toy, donate a smile,” emphasizing how a simple gesture can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
At a press conference, Peña Gómez and Cynthia Valenzuela López, the system’s director, shared details of the initiative and invited citizens and businesses to participate. Donations should consist of new or gently used educational or recreational toys that do not promote violence or require batteries, ensuring all contributions are safe and appropriate for children.
“We want our vulnerable children to have a reason to smile this holiday season. We encourage everyone to join in the Magic Caravan campaign, because every toy that is donated will be a sign of community solidarity and the commitment we have for those who have less,” Claudia Peña Gómez said.
The toys will be distributed to the municipality’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, with support from Puerto Vallarta’s Department of Social Development. Collection centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, at the DIF System offices on Paseo de las Palmas Avenue in Colonia Barrio Santa María and at the Social Development Department in La Aurora. Donations will be accepted until December 20, 2024.
Numerous local businesses, schools, and organizations have already committed to supporting the campaign, including Campo Verde School, Vallarta Adventures, Grupo Vidanta, Coldwell Banker and Andale Restaurant, showcasing the community’s collective spirit.
To learn how you can contribute to this meaningful effort, call (322) 225-9936. Together, let’s make this holiday season unforgettable for Puerto Vallarta’s children.
