American Legion -- García-Jimenez, Post 11 You'll recognize this familiar group, active also in the US and Canada. The members of this post raise money through their annual Post-Christmas Dinner to help support various charities.

Asilo de Ancianos-- Old Folks' Home This is a full-time care facility for older folk who would otherwise be living on the streets. But without any government assistance, this home is run on donations. Provisions that are always needed include cleaning supplies, curtains, sheets and medicine. Donations help to improve the lives of those living and working at the home.

Bomberos-- Firefighters In Mazatlán, the firefighters are a group of mainly-volunteer men and women (only the drivers are paid minimum wage) who donate their time and energy to this essential community service. As this service is not government funded, the Bomberos depend on donations to run the department. The station is in dire need of many things, including new human equipment to safely fight fires and resources to restore their crumbling fire station. In addition, the fire station sponsors a program for aspiring "Bomberitos" between the ages of seven and sixteen. This program keeps these kids off the streets, teaches them a variety of skills, including discipline and first-aid, and encourages good grades and good behaviour.

DIF-- Family Services Agency This government program is designed to aid impoverished families living in the colonias just outside of Mazatlán. Every Friday ("Citizen Friday"), the mayor and his wife, accompanied by city council members, municipal department heads, doctors, a dentist, barbers, students from the School of Social Work at the University of Sinaloa and volunteers visit a colonia and provide free services, such as haircuts and doctor visits. The mayor speaks with colonia residents, and tries to satisfy all requests (ie: land for a sports field) and the mayor's wife distributes clothes for one peso per item (to deter residents from taking more than their share). DIF has also established a home for street children. If you'd like to help, donations in the way of clothes, household items and unused prescription medications (medicine is distributed free to those in need) is always welcome.

Hogar Damasco -- is a volunteer run shelter for street people, most of whom are elderly without any personal income. The shelter is in an old house with few amenities, with essential beds & chairs. Volunteers buy food & cook meals for the inhabitants as it receives no goverment funds. This program needs all the help it can get.

La Viña-- The Vineyard Christian Fellowship This international church group is committed to helping the less-fortunate communities in México with clinics, dental programs, feeding programs and "outreaches" (when teams of about five people visit the colonias and distribute groceries). In Mazatlán, much of La Viña's work centers around Valles del Ejido, an impoverished colonia on the outskirts of the city. La Viña built a clinic in Valles del Ejido where they now operate a feeding program that feeds 120 children every week. The clinic also provides dental, medical and church services, free to members of the colonia.

Orfanatorio Mazatlán This orphanage provides food, shelter, clothing and education for girls under 18 years. At 18, they may stay if they are still taking classes. The orphanage, located in downtown Mazatlán, was founded in 1902 when an epidemic of the bubonic plague left many children without parents.

Cruz Roja-- Red Cross Familiar to most, the Red Cross is there to assist in medical emergencies for those who can't afford the the hefty doctor's bill. In addition, the Red Cross offers medical consultations for a minor fee. Monetary donations are always welcome.

Salvation Army Orphanage Perhaps you have been outside the Pacific Pearl office at Christmastime to see the children sing and entertain. These adorable children live at "Hogar de Niños," or the "Children's Home." This orphanage is located in a barren area just north of Mazatlán. The home consists of three buildings: a girls' dorm, a boys' dorm and a recreation / dining room. The home is always in need of furniture and household items, such as sheets, blankets and clothes.

Tres Islas Orphanage Fund - Serving: Orfanatorio Mazatlán, Salavation Army Home for Children, Father Tovar's Home for Boys (Hogar San Pablo), Ciudad de los Niños-- If you would like to help truly needy children in Mazatlán's Orphanages with 100% of your donations tax deductible with the U.S. IRS, please visit our web page www.orphanagefunds.org for information on how you can help. Thank You!

Boys' Home -- The ages of the boys in Hogar San Pablo range from 10-19 and they are often the product of broken homes or parents who cannot provide for them. The home is run by 80 year old Father Tovar with the help of two nuns. The building itslef is old & rundown - definitely in need of repair - and essential daily items of cleaning supplies, toilettries, clothes & food are usually in short supply. Any donation would be appreciated.