DFW International / Vallarta Abuelos

Since 2018, Vallarta Abuelos has developed educational programs that serve 800 children in Col. 5 de Diciembre in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Our children receive Christmas gifts, cultural activities for Dia de Muertos and Easter, a party for Children's Day, plus school bags and supplies. In addition, sixty boys and girls receive scholarships sponsored by an expat ‘abuelo’ or ‘abuela’. Twelve outstanding teens participate in a year-long scholarship program that develops leadership and job skills and the first two graduates of our program have entered college!

'Free' public school costs have risen by 400% since before the pandemic, leaving little money for 'extras'. It's especially difficult for children of the single moms who work in our taco stands or who clean our hotel rooms. As our neighborhood attracts more expats, gentrification has doubled rents, and the minimum wage of 207 pesos ($11 US) doesn't begin to cover the children's basic needs.

For these reasons, most of our children do not receive any gifts other than a 'bolo' (small bag of candy), and many families do not share any sort of Christmas meal.

That's why we ask $35 to sponsor a bag of age-appropriate gifts for a child's Christmas. We shop at wholesale prices that permit us to stretch your donation when we purchase Barbies, Legos, soccer balls, educational puzzles, as well as small items and warm clothing. Your tax-deductible gift of $100 will bring smiles to the faces of three little ones.

Our Vallarta Abuelos Christmas Gifts is produced under the auspices of DFW International, a Dallas-based 501c3, and as such can issue receipts for use with US taxes.

You may also mail a tax-deductible donation via check to:

International Dallas Communities / DFW International

1421 Monroe St NW

Washington DC 20010

About your DONATION: 100% of funds collected will be used for this project. We are all volunteers and there are no costs for overhead or staff.

THANK YOU! Muchisimas gracias!

Since 2018, Vallarta Abuelos has developed educational programs that serve 800 children in Col. 5 de Diciembre in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Our children receive Christmas gifts, cultural activities for Dia de Muertos and Easter, a party for Children's Day, plus school bags and supplies. With the support of expat sponsors, or "abuelos" and "abuelas," sixty children currently receive scholarships, and we’re thrilled to announce that four graduates from our program have entered college!

Unfortunately, since the pandemic, the cost of "free" public education has surged by 400%, placing an increased burden on families—particularly for children of single mothers who work in taco stands or clean hotel rooms. With the gentrification of our neighborhood and rents doubling, the minimum wage of 249 pesos ($14 USD) barely meets children’s basic needs.

That's why many of our children do not receive gifts beyond a small bag of candy, known as a "bolo," and families are often unable to share a holiday meal. To bring joy and a sense of community, we ask for $35 to sponsor a bag of age-appropriate Christmas gifts for each child. Thanks to wholesale purchasing, we stretch every donation to include items like Barbies, Legos, soccer balls, educational puzzles, and warm clothing. A tax-deductible gift of $100 will brighten the holidays for three children.

Our Vallarta Abuelos Christmas Gifts is produced under the auspices of DFW International, a Dallas-based 501c3, and as such can issue receipts for use with US taxes.

You may also mail a tax-deductible donation via check to:

International Dallas Communities / DFW International

1421 Monroe St NW

Washington DC 20010

About your DONATION: 100% of funds collected will be used for this project. We are all volunteers and there are no costs for overhead or staff.

THANK YOU! Muchisimas gracias!

Our Vallarta Abuelos School Bag Project will support 700 little neighbors who dream of continuing their studies in Kinder, Primaria, Secundaria, and Prepa. For only $35 US, you can provide a low-income child with a new back pack and supplies for the first day of school.

WHO: Since the Pandemic, costs for 'free' public elementary school have tripled! Most of the children on our list are being raised by single moms or grandmothers who earn the minimum wage by selling tacos or cleaning hotel rooms.

Students in junior and senior high must also pay for books and transportation ($14 USD). A high school lunch costs 100 pesos, or $6 USD, so your donation really will make a difference!

WHAT: Here in Mexico, a back pack alone can cost from 400 pesos ($24 USD) to more than 1500 pesos ($90 USD). The 'stitched notebook' required by the schools sells for 80 to 120 pesos ($4 USD to $7 USD), and one is required for each class. That means that a high school student needs $600 pesos ($40 USD) just for notebooks!

By purchasing wholesale & direct, we are able to make this project possible at a reduced cost!

The Vallarta School Bag Project is produced under the auspices of DFW International, a Dallas-based 501c3, and as such can issue receipts for use with US taxes.

About your DONATION: 100% of funds collected will be used for this project. We are all volunteers and there are no costs for overhead or staff.