Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In an act of solidarity with the Tarahumara region, which is experiencing famine resulting from one of the worst droughts in history, the Vallarta division of DIF has opened a distribution center to raise donations of food and clothing to send to the state of Chihuahua.

Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) is the Mexican public institution of social assistance that focuses on strengthening and developing the welfare of Mexican families.

The president of DIF, Jennifer Serur, urged the people of Puerto Vallarta to show solidarity with the indigenous communities that are experiencing this difficult situation. "The citizens of Vallarta have always shown solidarity and support for those who need us. Recently we received support when Hurricane Jova caused damage to communities in Jalisco and Colima, and today we need to return that support to the Tarahumara communities who are suffering famine. We ask our citizens to come to the DIF and bring food and clothing."

The director of the Municipal DIF System, Paula Celina Lomeli, said that she had contacted DIF Jalisco for assistance. "The Tarahumara situation is worrying. We are asking for food staples and water that will be take to them promptly."

Among the items they hope to receive are non-perishable food such as beans, corn, wheat, rice, instant noodles, tuna, instant coffee and powdered milk, as well as bottled water and medication that does not expire, winter clothing and blankets.

The food collection center will be open Monday-Friday at the Headquarters of the Municipal DIF, Calle Millennium 143, Colonia La Aurora, with hours from 8:30 am to 3 pm.