Toy drives, posadas and more: Nogales organizations prepare for the holidays

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NOGALES – In the December chill and with the festive spirit that characterizes the border, several organizations and institutions are taking advantage of the season to spread Christmas cheer.

These are some of the events scheduled for December in Ambos Nogales.

Community Toy Drive

The Consulate General of Mexico in Nogales and the city have joined forces to bring smiles to faces. This year, they launched the “First Community Toy Drive: One Toy, a Thousand Smiles,” a campaign that seeks to collect new toys for girls and boys residing in shelters in Nogales, Sonora.

The invitation is simple: donate a toy to bring joy to a child at Christmas.

The Consul General of Mexico in Nogales, Marco Moreno Báez, explained that the collection will remain open until Friday, Dec. 12, while the delivery will take place on Monday, Dec. 15, at several shelters. However, he preferred not to disclose the names of the children because they are minors.

Those who wish to participate can bring a toy to the Mexican consulate in Nogales, located at 135 W. Cardwell St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Moreno Báez emphasized the consulate's desire to support, to the extent possible, children who are in very disadvantaged and even vulnerable situations.

"On this important date, the least we can do is support them in this way," he said.

He said that they had also done so the previous two years, but more privately, and this year they decided to expand the project and invite the city to join the list of partners in this activity.

A Christmas Celebration for Everyone in the Mission

While the consulate collects toys, the Crossroads Nogales Mission, affectionately known as "La Misión," is preparing its traditional Christmas celebration for both Nogales communities. The celebration will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, and will feature Santa Claus, ready to hear wishes and share smiles.

“Last year, more than 500 people attended; this year we expect even more,” commented Alejandra Martínez, executive director and CEO of the Mission.

The event will be held at 21 E. Court St., with free admission. The Mission provides shelter and food to people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic violence, but it is also a point of solidarity for those who cross daily from Nogales, Sonora, in search of food distributed there.

Although they organize several events throughout the year, the Christmas celebration is the largest. This year, they plan to begin at 10 a.m. with a religious service, followed by children's activities at 11 a.m. and Santa's arrival at noon, Martínez said.

In addition, other organizations will be present to provide information to the community, such as the Mexican Consulate and a health clinic. There will be games, including a bouncy castle and a train ride, food, music and gifts, all free, Martínez told CALÓ News.

Anyone wishing to support the cause can call (520) 287-5828.

Christmas in Sasabe

Solidarity will also be felt at another border crossing. The Samaritans of Tucson will hold an event, “Christmas in Sasabe,” on Saturday, December 20, at the Esperanza Library in Sasabe, Sonora.

“It aims to support families in the border region by providing toys, shelter, and food to those in need in the sister city of Sasabe, Sonora, Mexico,” says the invitation they shared on Instagram.

The Samaritans of Tucson provide water, food, first aid and other essential items to migrants crossing the border in southern Arizona. According to their website, their goal is to alleviate the suffering of those undertaking the arduous journey toward a better life through the harsh Sonoran Desert.

Between collections, posadas and shared hugs, on the border, Christmas is not just another holiday, but also an opportunity to accompany each other, lend a hand and celebrate in community.