Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - For the 18th consecutive year, Toys for Tots Vallarta spread miles of smiles by delivering close to six thousand toys to underprivileged children all around Banderas Bay - from Punta Mita to Cabo Corrientes and inland even to San Sebastian - for Three Kings Day.

On January 9th, the Puerto Vallarta Navy League visited Jardines de Niños all around the Bahía de Banderas. Teachers and students alike were thrilled to see the volunteers, dressed as Kings and bearing gifts, descend upon their school early in the morning.

The theme of this endeavor was Por Las Sonrisas de Los Niños, which means 'For The Smiles of the Youngsters,' and every toy equaled another smile on the face of a kid who may otherwise have received nothing material for Three Kings Day, the traditional Christmas season gift-giving day in Mexico.

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.

All proceeds from the December fund raisers, namely the Golf Tournament at Vallarta Vista Golf (the course was donated by the owners) and the Gala Dinner/Dance, hosted and donated by the Casa Magna Marriott Hotel (which included adult beverages and live music donated by Coldwell Banker), went towards the purchase of the toys.

Since conception in 1999, Toys for Tots Vallarta has given away more than 126,000 toys and built more than 10 playgrounds. Support from the PV community, including businesses, organizations and individuals, continues to grow. With us from the very beginning have been the Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa, Vista Vallarta Golf Club and Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

The Puerto Vallarta Navy League would like to thank our three senior sponsors, as well as those who played golf and attended the gala ball, for helping spread miles of smiles again this year.

We'd also like to thank the many volunteers who organized and carried out another very successful year of giving some needy children a reason to smile all year long.