Presents and Fun for Local Beach Vendor Kids on Three King's Day

January 6th was Three Kings Day, a day Mexican children traditionally receive gifts, and thanks to support from the community, it was no different for the hard working children who help their families’ create and sell handiworks on the beach and in stalls on the streets of Sayulita. This second annual event organized once again by local resident, Eder Raygazo, was held in the central plaza at noon this past Tuesday.

As onlookers gazed with interest, volunteers bustled about preparing for a toy raffle, passing out cupcakes, and directing the children for photos, while DJ Paladub provided the music. An impressive and vast array of toys were clustered around a tree, all donated by members of the community. The approximately 25 children, ranging in age from 3 on, of the indigenous Tzotzil heritage originating from the Mexican state of Chiapas, smiled and looked on with anticipation as the raffle began. In addition to the larger raffle item, each child received a bag of three smaller gifts. Horseback rides, a definite crowd pleaser, and a pinata full of candy, always fun for kids, were attractions after the gift exchange.

Eder explained the inspiration that guided him to begin the toy drive. “I had the idea last year. It was the day after Christmas. I saw a lot of kids playing with their toys, and I saw this little boy, Juan, who works at the beach, and he was really upset, sitting in the corner and watching the kids play. It made me upset, so I told him to come back the next day because Santa had a gift for him. I had a used skateboard that I didn’t use that much anymore so I wrapped it and gave it to him, and he was very, very happy. So the same night I started to send messages to people to see if we could put this together, the toy drive, for Three Kings Day.” He went on to say, “I don’t like the idea of seeing these kids working at the beach turning into something normal. They shouldn’t be working at 6 years old”.

Volunteers shared their reasons for being there. Cheri Hasburgh said, “I’m here to support Eder’s cause. I’ve known these kids since they were babies, they’re such a part of Sayulita, I’ve watched them grow up.”  Tavo Moctezuma put it simply, “because they are kids, they are important, they are the future. They have a hard life, are always working, at least one day we can help them.” Pedro Paradis echoed the sentiment saying, “this is the real community, these little ones working hard desire to have good moments in life.”

For Eder, it was important that it be about the kids, and as such, he wanted the donated gifts to be anonymous. For that reason, he did not accept cash or allow any logos or promotional items to be present on contributed items, but that certainly did not limit the amount of donations. In fact, excess toys and clothing were given to La Casa Clu De San Ignacio.

He goes on to say, “It was a big success because we had support from lots of people in town. Everybody that donated made it happen. I just put it together and gave it to the kids. It’s an honest non profit event. My main goal would be not doing it anymore because next year there won’t be kids working. Those kids work more than I do. It’s a very big problem. It’s not only in Sayulita. It’s a very cultural thing for all of that community (the Tzotziles). I wish I could help better not only giving toys, but it’s a big problem that starts with not just the community here, but with that community changing its’ mentality about making kids work, which is really hard. I would like to thank everybody that donated, which was the main motor of this event. I’m just a voice at that moment that is a reflection that the community cares for those little kids.”