Vallarta Abuelos: Backpacks for Bright Futures

Every August, the Vallarta Abuelos help 700 of our littlest neighbors get ready for school—with love, hope, and the gift of education.

For just $35 USD, you can give a low-income child a brand-new backpack filled with the supplies they need to shine on the first day of class.

WHO ARE THESE CHILDREN?

Many are raised by single mothers or grandmothers who work tirelessly—selling tacos, cleaning hotel rooms, or doing what they can to make ends meet. Since the pandemic, the cost of sending a child to "free" public school has nearly tripled, making it even harder for these families to afford the basics.

Older students face even more challenges: they need funds for textbooks, daily bus fare, and lunch. A simple school lunch can cost 100 pesos (about $5 USD)—so even a small donation can truly change a child’s day.

WHAT YOUR GIFT PROVIDES

In Mexico, backpacks alone range from 400 to over 1500 pesos ($20 to $75 USD). The required stitched notebooks—one per subject—cost up to 120 pesos each, meaning just the notebooks for high school can total over $30 USD.

Thanks to bulk buying and generous suppliers, we can stretch every donation to reach more children and provide real quality at reduced cost.

THE VALLARTA SCHOOL BAG PROJECT

This initiative is produced under the guidance of DFW International, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. That means U.S. donors can receive a tax-deductible receipt for their gift.

HOW DO WE USE YOUR MONEY?

Every single penny goes to the children. We are 100% volunteer-run—there’s no overhead, no staff salaries, just a community coming together to give kids the tools to succeed.

Join us in building a future filled with opportunity, one backpack at a time.