Non-Profit Charitable Organizations

For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to do a good deed for the less privileged in our little paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures.

Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) - Ivan Applegate is the president of this association of handicapped individuals dedicated to help one another lead productive lives. Contact Ivan Applegate at 225-5368 applecuriel@yahoo.com.mx.

Becas Vallarta, A.C. - provides scholarships for bright High School and University students of limited resources but high scholastic achievement.  Donations may be made to Becas Vallarta or for tax deductibility in the United States to the America-Mexico Foundation, Inc. (AMF). We need more volunteers.  Contacts: Mary 222-1478, Pat 221 5730, or Mercedes 225 6035.  Website: www.puerto-vallarta.com/amf.”

Asociación Down - The Foundation for assistance to Persons with Down’s Syndrome dedicates its work to the rehabilitation of Down’s Syndrome Children for entrance into the regular school system. If you wish to make a donation or volunteer in any way, please contact Ana Catalina Eisenring at 224-9577. Email: down_pv@hotmail.com

Casa Hogar - An established orphanage near the airport run by Catholic nuns. Most of the kids have families who are unable to care for them. Contact Elisa Cornejo at 221-1908.

Clinica de Rehabilitacion Santa Barbara - This clinic for the rehabilitation of the handicapped is used by members of DIVAC not only for physical and psychological therapy but also for education and training to assist the handicapped lead full productive lives. Contact Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - The Red Cross handles hospital and emergency service. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street, transport them to their facility or other ones indicated by the injured person injured. Needs are operating funds, equipment, fuel and maintenance for ambulances, supplies and volunteers. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973

Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) - A municipal service, part of the Federal System of Family Services that assists not only in time of emergency but also with ongoing education, health and training programs for the whole family. Contact City Hall at 222-0058.

Make a Wish Foundation (MAW) - An organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. 100% of the funds are used for the wishes. Donations that are tax deductible in the U. S. and Mexico. Contact Bob Mandel at 221-6212, web: www.makeawishmexico.org

Eagle’s Wings Foundation - Focuses on providing financial support to organizations and services that benefit children. In the past, this group has assisted the Public Library and the DIF Scholarship Program. Contact: 224-4848.

International Friendship Club (IFC) - Funds many projects such as the Cleft Palate Surgery Program, classroom and school restroom construction, emergency assistance to those with limited resources and donations to the American-Mexican Foundation. Donations are tax deductible in the U. S. and Mexico. Contact Clubhouse at 222-5466, e-mail: ifc@pvmexico.com website: www.pvmexico.com/ifc.

Navy League - The Navy League offers its help in the transportation of donated supplies and equipment from the United States to Puerto Vallarta via the US Navy’s ‘Hand Clasp’ Program. In addition, crew members of American and Canadian Ships donate part of their shore leave to paint and do maintenance on schools, orphanages and rehabilitation centers in Puerto Vallarta. Contact Peter Gray at 221-5285 or Jerry Lafferty at 221-6156.

Organization Vallarta Contra el SIDA (OVCS) - OVCS is an organization dedicated to HIV/AIDS education, testing, prevention and assistance. Their latest program is directed at women of child bearing age who are encouraged to be tested in a free HIV testing program at the Clinic at 533 Hidalgo St.Contact Dr. Manuel Aldana at 224-1225, 222-2414 or Judy Mae at 224-1396.

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza - Shelter for children 1 month to 14 yrs. old. Contact Madre Mari at 222-7857, Soledad Martinez at 224-4946 or Sudy Coy at 222-5765. Visiting hours:  11am-1pm & 4pm-6pm. www.refugioinfantil.com

Grupo Ecològico de Puerto Vallarta, A.C. - Programs for adoption of dogs and cats.  Volunteers and animal handling equipment requested.  Forms (in English and Spanish) for making an ecological complaint to the local authorities.  Contact R.C. Walker at 222-0897,
e-mail: rc_walkermx@yahoo.com.mx

Un Mañana Brillante (A Brighter Tomorrow) is a partnership of Americans and Canadians to support Colegio Mexico-Americano, a pre-school and primary school in Puerto Vallarta. The school’s vision is to provide excellence in education at a very low tuition rates. Money is being raised for equipment, facilities, and scholarships. Contact: Margi Baughman. Email: mach1@prodigy.net.mx Or David Bender email: dbender@prodigy.net.mx