More Smiles in SMA: Three Kings Toy Drive
As the Christmas season is fast approaching, a local SMA resident, Les Pearson, has again taken on the joyful task of organizing the Three Kings toy drive, as he has done for the last three years.
As you may know, Three Kings day in January is more important to the Mexican people than Christmas. This is the day that Mexican families exchange small gifts. Sadly, due to the economic situation of many families, children in the outlying areas receive little to nothing.
Because of the San Miguel community’s generosity, last year, more than 700 boys and girls in the campos near San Miguel de Allende received a small gift! This year year he is setting the bar higher and wants to surprise 800 children with gifts. This will require a great deal of generosity (some financial, some voluntary) by many people.
Where your money goes:
“We have, found over the years, that boys from kindergarten to middle school all want a soccer ball. I am happy to say that I found a supplier two years ago in a nearby village where the balls are handmade by the residents of the village. He is willing to sell the balls to me at a really great price. As a byproduct, it also greatly helps the people of the village. I plan to order 425 soccer balls and they must be paid for by November 1st.For the older girls, we have a supplier who sells us lovely purses, inside of which we put an assortment of things: notebooks, pencils, hair products, nail products, and gloves. The price is very reasonable, and the girls have been very happy with them. The kindergarten girls will receive a bag of colorful toys and some useful items; gloves and socks for the winter.
The toys are not wrapped, which saves on the work load, but more importantly creates no garbage. The school personnel seem particularly happy with this!”
Donations:
“And so, I am once again asking for cash donations. This is the best way to maximize our efforts to reach the goal of 800 children and ensure the gifts are of equal value. This is not a charitable organization so no tax receipts will be issued, but I will keep a copy of everyone who donates (and the amounts) and send each a thank you and photos of the gift giving! Plus, you are welcome to join us the day of delivery and see the excited faces of the children as a ‘King’ donates their gifts.”
Whether you live in San Miguel or not, please email Les for instructions on donations at mexicokid77@yahoo.com
The response has already been positive, with many pledging donations of time and money. Look out for all the smiles this holiday season!
