Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - It's never too early to turn one's thoughts to the joys of the Christmas gift-giving season! Toys for Tots Vallarta is pleased to announce the 18th consecutive year of fund raising events to purchase toys for distribution to local needy kids on Three Kings Day, the traditional gift-giving day in Mexico.

We've averaged more than 8,000 toys per year over the past 17 years, and certainly hope to reach at least this level in 2016. Each toy we hand out equals another smile on the face of a kid who may otherwise receive nothing material during the Christmas season.

Educators tell us something as small as a visit by the Three Kings with the gift of a toy can create a sense of inclusion and hope with these kids, and perhaps inspire some of them to stay in school and build a better life just like the more privileged kids. So we're not only handing out toys, but perhaps giving the gifts of pride and hope as well.

This year's fund raisers will be held on December 10-11, so make plans now to join us!

First up is a charity golf scramble on Saturday, December 10. This fun-filled golf scramble tournament will be held at the Vista Vallarta Golf Club Weiskopf course. Golfers can arrange foursomes or we can pair sets of players. There are prizes for lowest score, highest score, randomly drawn middle-of-the-pack score, closest to the pin on two par-three holes, closest to the center line, longest drive for women and for men, Hole-In-One. Tee-time is 11 am, with a delicious Mexican style buffet in the Club House for players after the game. Tickets for this full day of activities in a splendid setting are now on sale for 1,800 pesos or $100 USD per player.

The Gala Dinner/Dance will take place the following evening, December 11, at Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa in the Marina. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 pm to the music of Los Polvitos de Jalisco, a local children's mariachi band. This is followed by an elegant dinner at beautifully appointed tables for ten guests. Cocktails and wine are complimentary for the entire evening! During the event, raffle tickets will be sold for a variety of prizes such as dinners, hotel stays, spa treatments, and more! Finally, a lively local band will provided entertainment for dancing. Tickets for this fun-filled evening are on sale for 1,350 pesos ($75 USD) if purchased in advance, or 1600 pesos at the door.

Note that our generous sponsors underwrite all expenses of the two days: the use of the Vista Vallarta golf course and the dinner at the Marriott. Toys for Tots is run by volunteers from the Navy League; there are no employees. All proceeds from the fund raisers buy toys at a generous discount from a toy wholesaler.

Advance donation tickets are available by contacting:

• Jerry Lafferty, 322-221-6156
• Carol's Boutique, 322-137-4902
• Fred and Dorothy Piontkowski, 322-209-0064
• CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Concierge, 322-226-0017
• Vista Golf Course Pro Shop, 322-290-0030
• Marina Golf Course Pro Shop, 322-221-0073
• Carla at Steve's Sports Bar, 322-222-0256

We hope you'll join us in helping make this year's holidays a joyful and memorable time not only for the less fortunate children in our community.

If you would like to take part in the Three Kings Day toy distribution on January 9, please call American Legion Post 14 Commander Dennis Rike at 322-138-8891. You will have a fun day visiting the far reaches of our beautiful mountains, beaches and farmlands where these children live. And, of course, you will be contributing to the joy of our children.