Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - How the time flies when you live in paradise. Would you believe it's already time to begin thinking about Christmas?

That being said, it is also time to start thinking about those who live in the same city that we do, but are not nearly so fortunate - those who need our help so that they may enjoy some of the things we take for granted.

Every year from the end of November through December 15th, SETAC conducts a Toy Drive to benefit the children of Puerto Vallarta families impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Santa and his helpers (the staff at the clinic) will hand out the donated toys at the Christmas fiesta held at the CAPASITS Clinic - "Posada At CAPASITS."

SETAC needs your help to put smiles on the faces of these children who otherwise may not have any Christmas, due to the challenges their families face every day because of their illness.

This very worthwhile cause also helps to raise awareness to the fact that HIV does not discriminate. Persons of every race, age, social status, and sexual preference are affected by the virus. There are children born from teenage and heterosexual moms who, because of carelessness and ignorance, were infected.

Information is prevention. For this reason, SETAC launched their 'Amar es Gestar con Salud' campaign last month to educate young Vallartenses of child-bearing age on the importance of AIDS prevention and helping HIV positive mothers feed their young children without the risk of infecting them with the virus.

Though the Baby Formula collection campaign officially ended on November 30, with growing babies, there's always a need for more, so you can also donate cans of Nido Kinder, Nan 2 and Nan 3 baby formula or a cash donations to ensure that these babies have everything they need to grow up to be healthy and happy children.

You can deposit your donation of unwrapped toys (or formula) at the SETAC Community Center, located at Constitucion #427 and the corner of Manuel Dieguez on the South side of Puerto Vallarta, until December 15th.

You can also deposit your donation of unwrapped toys for the Posada at CAPASITS in special boxes located at the following businesses in Puerto Vallarta until December 15th:

• Hotel Mercurio, Francisca Rodriguez #168
• Fridas Bar, Insurgentes #301
• Piñata PV Hotel, Venustiano Carranza 322
• Sofá Café, Venustiano Carranza #306
• La Cueva Bar, Olas Altas #414 - 2nd floor
• Apaches Bar, Olas Altas #439
• Capasits, Calle Aldama #1013
• Yoga Vallarta, Basilio Badillo #325-3

For more information about the CAPASITS Clinic toy drive, the "Amar es Gestar con Salud" campaign, or any of the many services provided by SETAC, please call (322) 224-1974. Donations like yours make it possible for SETAC to provide service and support to hundreds of residents in Puerto Vallarta that would otherwise be alone.

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The purpose of the SETAC Community Center, located at Constitucion #427 and the corner of Manuel Dieguez on the South side of Puerto Vallarta, is to provide essential services to the community, including physical and mental health treatment, referrals, and education in an atmosphere of safety, free from discrimination. For more information, contact Paco Arjona at (322) 224-1974 or paco(at)setac.com.mx.

Click HERE to learn more about Centro Comunitario SETAC.