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ACT LGBT - 398 Venustiano Carranza, Local 8.  Tel: 322-228-5428   The ACT LGBT Civil Association of Commerce and Tourism was formed in March 2013 through the interest of a group of local business people looking for ways to promote Vallarta at national and international levels. it became a non-profit in 2014. The ACT association is made up of professionals and national and foreign entrepreneurs whose goals are to promote the growth and quality of gay and lesbian businesses in the town and the Banderas Bay region, and to promote the visibility and relevance of this segment as an important economic force in the region, as well promoting LGBT tourism in general and representing the interests of the gay community before local, state and federal government agencies and elected officials. Check the website for latest news, meetings and social events information. AIDS/SIDA Since August of 2009 the charity-support group organization SETAC or the Puerto Vallarta Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community Center has been located in a quiet area of Old Town at 427 Constitucion street at Manuel Dieguez. The purpose of the Center is to provide essential services to the GLBT society, including support in recovery from alcoholism and other afflictions, physical and mental health treatment and referrals, education and recreation in an atmosphere of safety, free from discrimination. Programs include HIV prevention, counseling and education, HIV support groups, and a general mission that includes promoting the sexual rights and gender equality of the lesbian and gay community. See more information below, and please remember that they are in need of more support. There are some 500+ AIDS cases in Puerto Vallarta. AIDS is now the second leading cause of death in Mexico for those 15-44 years old and there are more than 220,000 infected persons in the country, and 11% of the people living with HIV in Latin America are here in Mexico. The high prevalence of bisexual behavior among men is having a major impact on HIV infection in straight families and among women and children. You may also note that the charitable Vallarta Confronts AIDS (Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA - V.E.S.) which was involved in education and prevention programs for several years has been inactive since 2010. Alano Club: AA, NA, Al-Anon and CoDa AA meetings in English plus Al-Anon, NA, SLAA and Coda. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) general open group meetings Mon-Sat at 9am and 6:30pm and Sun at 11am; for women only Thurs at 10:30am; for men only Thurs at 8pm; Sun for gay and lesbian at 11am but call for location please. Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Daily at 5pm; Al-Anon, Mon and Fri at 6:30pm (Fri only May-Nov). N/A Step Sisters, Tues at 6:30pm. Co-Dependents (CoDa), mixed, Weds and Fri at 10:30 am. Over-Eaters Anonymous (OA), daily at 5pm. Meetings at Alano Club, 329 Basilio Badillo, interior upstairs, across the street from Johnny's Diner. For info or support for women Call: Irene, 322-889-7271; Bev, 322-238-7765 or Barb,322-213-1766; for support for men, Call: Clay, 322-221-6348; Jason, 322-215-9666; Don, 303-249-7909 or Lucky, 622-118-1605. For current and pertinent info, locations and contacts in the Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay area, from Yelapa to Guayabitos and beyond, visit the facebook page which is a private group, or see the website of the Alano Club PV. America-Mexico Foundatoin / Becas Vallarta - 1001 Av. Francisco Villa.  Tel: 111-7694  The AMF is a volunteer, non-profit U.S tax-deductible foundation that works in conjunction with the non-profit Becas Vallarta    organization to assist qualified PV students continue their education by providing scholarships. These Puerto Vallarta charity foundations together supply scholarships to some 200-250 high student and university students. Volunteers welcome. Find further information on their Becas Vallarta facebook page, and perhaps you can lend a helping hand. Contact: Mariel Fregoso, Tel: 322-221-0789 or Buri Gray, 221-5285 Animalistas de Puerto Vallarta Animal Lovers of Puerto Vallarta, a facebook group with more than 34,000 members as of August 2021. Everyone seems to be posting here in Spanish, so mostly for the locals Banderas Bay Women's Shelter - Tel: 322-237-5284, 322-103-2451 The mission of non-profit charitable Compassion for the Family and Banderas Bay Women's Shelter is to provide an immediate, life-saving and temporary safe shelter for local women and their children who are victims of domestic abuse and violence. The Shelter also helps them receive ongoing emotional support with professional counseling services and prepare them to be financially independent through education, jobs and small no-interest business loans. Current info at Compassion for the Family Inc and their facebook page. The women's shelter is staffed with a director, an adult psychologist, a child psychologist, an educational psychologist, a social worker, a teacher, a lawyer, a nutritionist and 24 nursing staff. They are a U.S. registered charity. To make a donation or volunteer, contact director David Zude, Phone: 322-103-2451

Bay and Beach Clean Up
Organizes annual beach clean ups usually in mid-November after the rainy season and in mid-May before the rains begin. Dedicated to raising awareness among the peoples of Puerto Vallarta. Contact, Craig Caughlin, Phone: 223-2542 with Email at zentiente@pvnet.com.mx

Canica Puerto Vallarta
Support Center for Children with Cancer (Canica - Centro de Atencion a Niños con Cancer), together with the Vallarta Womens' Association (Asociacion Femenil Vallartense) has as one of their main programs giving aid and attention to children and youngsters of low income with cancer in Puerto Vallarta, as well as aiding their families. Office at 107 Batallon de San Blas, Col. Niños Heroes.  Tel: 224-9906, 293-2276

Casa Hogar - 1100 Carretera a Tepic.  Tel: 322-221-1908
A Puerto Vallarta orphanage near the airport and bus terminal run by Catholic nuns. Most of the 50-55 children come from families who are unable to care adequately for them. Casa Hogar Maximo Cornejo was founded in 1993 and provides these children with a home, education and health care; its needs include kitchen supplies, medicine, hygiene supplies such as soap and shampoo, diapers, milk and clothing. Donations to Casa Hoger are tax deductible in Mexico. Visit their facebook page or website here. Contact Luz Aurora, Phone: 322-221-1908, 322-141-6974. 

Charity Bingo
Nacho Daddy restaurant at 180 Basilio Badillo on the South Side hosts charity bingo every other Tuesday night during the season, starting October 11, 2011. Bingo has raised over $35,000 the last two years for local charities such as Canica for kids with cancer, Pasitos de Luz handicapped children, Seniors home for the Elderly, the Puerto Vallarta orphanage Casa Hojar for children, local Food Bank (Banco de Alimentos), and the Shelter for cats. Lots of prizes, and a variety of food and drink specials are offered by the restaurant. For further details call: 223-0838

Corazon de Nina - 355 calle San Luis Potosi.  Tel: 322-224-9209     
Heart of the Child is a Mexican registered not-for-profit organization that provides a nurturing family environment for at-risk girls and boys of all ages. They typically have 38-44 children and youth, aged four months to 23 years old. Corazon (facebook) has two homes in Vallarta, one for the girls and one next door for the boys, and is the only residential resource for girls over 12 in the city. They currently house some 100+ at-risk children and youth of Puerto Vallarta. Casa Corazón is owned and operated by Fundación Corazón de Niña A.C., a registered Mexican non-profit. Volunteers and donations at Corazon (website) are always welcome. Located at 355 calle San Luis Potosi, colonia Primero de Mayo. Contact Melissa Canez or Juan Meza, Admin: 322-221-3907 or 322-217-2401

Discapactados de Vallarta, A.C.
An association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another lead more productive lives. Contact is Ivan Applegate, Tel: 221-5153

Down Vallarta / Fundacion para Personas con Sindrome de Down - 158 Tordo, colonia Las Aralias.  Tel: 322-224-9577
The Foundation for People with Down Syndrome has been working since 1988 in Vallarta to provide help, moral support and general information to parents of children with Down Syndrome. Families attend weekly for their child to receive therapy and know the program they will do at home every day. Their mission is to promote the general well-being of people with Down syndrome both in the family nucleus and in the community, and assist in expanding their possibilities for greater inclusion in society. Check out their website at Down Vallarta (in English) or visit their facebook page Fundacion Down Vallarta for photos and details.  Mon-Fri, 4pm-7pm, Sat, 10am-1pm

Ecology Group of Puerto Vallarta / Grupo Ecologico de Puerto Vallarta - 529 Hidalgo street.  Tel: 322-222-0897    
Believing that residents of the Banderas Bay area have the legal right and moral responsibility to participate in the conservation of the natural beauty and wildlife of the area as an essential element of our community, and that public education and community involvement are necessary to obtain high, enduring levels of interest in conservation of local ecosystems, the Ecology Group of Vallarta was formed several years ago. They have been involved in reforestation activities in town, conservation of land and surface water, protection of crocodiles and birds, recycling, protection of historical sites, buildings and Mexican culture, and community clean up of the Pitillal River and other streams. Ecology Group office downtown at 529 Hidalgo street. Email grupoecologicopv@yahoo.com.mx and Contact: Claudia Patricia Cubillos, Cell: 322-123-2158 or R. C. Walker, Tel: 322-222-0897

Feed the Children Vallarta, now Volcanes Kids Education Project
Formed in 1998 with the mission to help the poor children who were living in and around the city dump, the Volcanes Kids Education Project (facebook) formerly known as Children of the Dump's main focus is on helping the children in Puerto Vallarta go to school and stay there. While there are no children now living in the dump, Feed the Children Vallarta provides food for more than 1,800 children daily in the  primary and kinder schools around the dump and an additional 1,500 children each week with their hot meals program. Their website Volcanes Project should soon be up and running soon. For info contact Arthur Fumerton,at his email artfumerton(at)gmail.com or his Phone: 322-158-8815 or Tel: 322-278-8641 

Food Bank / Banco de Alimentos
Non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 2000 which collects and distributes perishable and non-perishable food donations to the needy in our area to combat hunger and malnutrition. They aid more than 5,000 persons, 55% of whom belong to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Banco de Alimentos (facebook) is serving some 38 neighborhoods and rural communities in the municipalities of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo Corrientes and Banderas Bay. Volunteers needed. Food Bank office: 52 Jacarandas, colonia Aeropuerto. Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm; Sat, 9am-2pm.  Tel: 322-112-1321, 322-113-3475, 322-150-6666

Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals  
Helping today's strays become the pets of tomorrow. Friends of PV Animals is a group of dedicated and passionate volunteers who are committed to the well-being of the homeless pets staying at this a group of dedicated and passionate volunteers who are committed to the well-being of the homeless pets staying at the municipally run “pound” (Acopio). This no-kill shelter is staffed by veterinarians and caretakers who work hard  to ensure each animal’s basic needs are met. The group relies strictly on donations to provide food and medicine to the animals in the care of the shelter. More info and photos also at Facebook.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center (SETAC) in Puerto Vallarta
After years on the South Side, the Puerto Vallarta Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community Center has moved to a different area of town, now located at 174 Rio Santiago in the Colonia Fluvial Vallarta, a few blocks off of well-known Francisco Villa street. The purpose of the Center is to provide essential services to the GLBT community, including support in recovery from alcoholism and other afflictions, physical and mental health treatment and referrals, education and recreation in an atmosphere of safety, free from discrimination. Programs include HIV prevention, counseling and education, HIV support groups, referral networks, AA meetings and codependency groups, English as a second language classes, there is an on-site nutritionist and Movie night is every Tuesday at 7:30pm. Volunteers are needed. Further information about the valuable and charitable Puerto Vallarta Gay and Lesbian Center and also see the news article at Banderas News. AA Step study group Weds, 8:30pm; AA meetings also Weds and Sun, 10:30-12:30pm. For PV gay and lesbian community center info contact Paco Arjona at the SETAC center, Tel: 224-1974.

Gay Pride Parade & Events
The Puerto Vallarta Pride has now expanded from being a three to a seven day annual event that pays tribute to the local gay and lesbian community with artistic and cultural events, concerts, films, beach parties and a lot of fun to show to everyone the fabulous diversity of the town as a place to live and visit. Pride (see photos) was also created to showcase many of the unique elements in our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities throughout the Banderas Bay area that have made Vallarta one of the top gay travel destinations in all of Latin America. Festivities are held every May and aim to celebrate, inspire and commemorate a vibrant LGBT community that through the years has created its own unique customs and traditions.

Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde, A.C. (Ecology Group of the Green Coast)
Founded in 1992, the Green Coast Ecology Group was originally set up to protect nesting turtles along the San Francisco (San Pancho) beaches in the state of Nayarit which begins just north of Vallarta. In April 1993 Groupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde received official recognition by the Mexican government to become the first non-profit environmental civil organization of the Nayarit region with a special interest in the protection of the marine turtle. Through the governmental offices of SEMARNAT (Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources) this ecology group works to help protect all other endangered species of flora and fauna along that part of the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde/Green Coast Ecology Group sponsors environmental education programs as well.

International Friendship Club (IFC) - Edificio Parian del Puente #13.  Tel: 322-222-5466     
The International Friendship Club is a group of expatriates from the U.S. and Canada whose goals include promoting friendship between the international and the local communities. The group works to provide funds to Puerto Vallarta charities and community programs such as school construction and education supplies, reconstructive surgery for cleft palate patients, Becas Vallarta, emergency medical aid, AIDS, a local orphanage and physical rehabilitation clinic, Los Mangos library, Santa Barbara Clinic Rehab, as well as funding a large community food distribution program. The International Friendship Club (facebook) annually collects and distributes some $100,000 USD to some sixteen programs. Since 1985 with their office at Edificio Parian del Puente #13 upstairs, corner of Libertad and Miramar streets in downtown Vallarta. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. email ifcvallarta@gmail.com  Tel: 322-222-5466 or 322-221-5681

Los Bambinos
A group of young Mexican brothers (and a cousin) available to sing at your gathering/celebration/party. You can catch them around town in the evenings singing at many of the restaurants and bars on the South Side. CDs also available. Email: gerardocarlos@yahoo.com  Tel: 322-222-6412

Make-a-Wish Foundation
Make-a-Wish Foundation of Mexico is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses who will not likely see their 18th birthday. One hundred percent of the funds are used for the wishes. Funded by corporate sponsors and private donations that are tax deductible in the U.S. and Mexico. Started up in Vallarta and active here since 2003, they work to grant wishes to children that are between 3 and 18 years old in all of Mexico. "Our work reflects the positive impact this kind of experience gives these children, their families and community." Office here in town was at 337-A San Salvador street, Colonia 5 de Diciembre. Contact Bob Mandel, Tel: 322-222-9111 or nationally: 55-5290-7532.

Mama Vallarta
A Puerto Vallarta non-profit foundation providing free food and support to unfortunate women, men, children and elderly people. Their free kitchen, located at 306 Luis Donaldo Colosio in the Remance neighborhood is open 1pm-7pm daily, with the main emphasis on children and the elderly. Established in September 2009 by Adriana & Gabbi Paz. A wish list of needed items include: new or used kitchen items, plates, glasses, tables, chairs, napkins, toilet paper, sheets, blankets, towels, beans, rice, pasta, milk, salt, pepper, sugar, flour, consommé, oatmeal, cooking oil, tomato sauce, cleaning supplies, baby formula, diapers etc.  For info and to offer assistance, contact, Tel: 322-221-5074 or cell: 322-101-6936 and email at MamaVallarta@yahoo.com

Melchor's Spanish Language School
Do you have a broken VERB? Do your PREPOSITIONS hurt? Are your CONJUNCTIONS swollen? Are you in a SUBJUNCTIVE mood? Three week courses, with all levels of instruction. Visit the Spanish School Vallarta website. The only language school in town using the famous Warren Hardy school materials. Contact Senor Melchor Cortes, who has been teaching in the classroom and privately to locals and visitors now for over 32 years, Cell: 322-118-0822 or Tel: 322-259-7677. I have a few other Spanish language lesson options listed on the Services page of this gay travel guide.

Olas Altas Farmers Market - Lazaro Cardenas Park.  Tel: 322-222-2784
With some 80+ producers and growers offering a variety of local grown farm fresh produce (picture left), artisan foods, baked goods and fresh pastas, jewelry, locally roasted coffee, handmade crafts, clothing, pies and quiches, art and community education for locals and tourists alike who are making the Olas Altas Farmer's Market (formerly known as the Old Town Farmers Market) a Puerto Vallarta thing to do every Saturday from 9am-2pm. Also includes an area for non-profit organizations, free live music, as well as a children’s crafting and face painting area. The Market is found at the Lazaro Cardenas Park, located between Carranza and Lazaro Cardenas streets at Pino Suarez street in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood or South Side area. Now in its 10th season, open from the first Saturday in Nov until the last Saturday of May. Further info check out the Olas Altas Farmers Market on facebook, or Tel: 322-222-2784

Pasitos de Luz - 545 Etziquio Corona.  Tel: 322-137-1890,  322-103-7938
A Puerto Vallarta non-profit organization founded by mothers of disabled children to achieve their rehabilitation and basic needs. Pasitos de Luz supports low income families with free daycare for their disabled children, offering them a caring and loving environment with nutritional food and snacks, physical rehabilitation, psychological care, medical services, special education classes, orthopedic equipment, and occupational and speech therapy. They are housed at Casa Connor in San Vicente, Nayarit and are a lifeline for approximately 130 families, with a goal of reaching up to 200 families. Each day they see approximately 70 children. More information at facebook. Main location is Casa Connor, Boulevard Federacion in San Vicente, Nayarit. Administration located at 545 Etziquio Corona, Col. Bobadilla in Vallarta. Contact, Sra. Yolanda Sanchez Santiago, Tel: 322-299-3605

PEACE (Protection Education Animals Culture and Environment)
PEACE, established in 2005 in Punta de Mita, Nayarit works hand in hand with communities in Mexico to provide holistic education combined with community action programs that enable people to improve their quality of life as well as their financial stability. Its 4 main programs focus on education, entrepreneurship, ecology, animal well-being and community engagement. PEACE is a registered Civil Association in Mexico and has registered U.S. nonprofit status.

Private Home Tours - International Friendship Club
Take a tour through some of Puerto Vallarta's and Banderas Bay's most beautiful homes and villas. Sponsored by the International Friendship Club (IFC) since 1987, meet at the Sea Monkey restaurant on Los Muertos beach at calle Aquilas Serdan, just in front of the Vista del Sol condominiums on the South Side, every Tues and Weds. Donation of 600 pesos. Ticket sales opens at 9am on tour day; advance reservations may be made at the IFC office or on-line at the International Friendship Club - Home Tours. Bus departs at 10:30am and returns at 2pm after viewing 4 homes. Tours run November 29-30, 2016 through March 28-29, 2017 except the weeks of Christmas and New Years. Try to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a camera. Donations from the tours fund a number of Puerto Vallarta charities, primarily the Cleft Palate Surgical Program and other in-house educational and community service programs, plus providing assistance to Becas Vallarta and Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E) among others. Over 25 years assisting the Vallarta community. From the US or Canada: 514-418-2123.  For further info phone: 222-5466

Public Library Los Mangos - 1001 Ave. Francisco Villa.  Tel: 322-224-9966, 322-293-1957
The Los Mangos biblioteca or public library (in spanish) is located near Avenida Fluvial on Francisco Villa street, the main road into Pitillal, and has an English language section plus a number of newspapers and magazines. Lending books to the public in English and Spanish (it has a rather modest collection of only 30,000 volumes), the library also boasts a very wide variety of community-oriented programs, events, films, workshops and classes, making it one of Puerto Vallarta's most popular and treasured community institutions. Always in need of funds to operate and increase their book inventory, as well as to help with the cultural center. Director Ricardo Murrieta Grada.  Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm; Sat, 10am-6pm

Purr Project - 100 Camino los Algodones.  
Founded in 2006 as a no-kill feline rescue shelter where the adult population could roam free in a natural environment on a fenced 1/2 acre of land in the remote countryside north of Puerto Vallarta. PuRR project has a permanent population of 180-200 felines and is actively involved in finding homes. Volunteers are needed. Visit their facebook page for more current info and photos. Located at Camino los Algodones #100 in colonia El Porvenir. 

Puerto Vallarta Gay Men's Chorus/Coro Varonil
Inspired by the concerts & concept of the Seattle Men's Chorus, a group in Puerto Vallarta have formed a (gay) mens chorus, the first such one in Mexico and all of Latin America. The chorus is bi-cultural and bi-lingual, a forward-looking combination of Mexican men and North American ex-pats. With founder and director Robert Bruneau, a well known local gay community member. Their mission is to present beautiful male choral music in both Spanish and English by the local Mexican and ex-pat communities to entertain and unify the audience, and use the power of this music to recognize the value of our gay community and our relationships. Singers (there are some 50-100 members) and volunteers are needed and welcome, as are gifts, and so for further details or to make a donation go to their main website, with even more information and photos on Facebook at Vallarta Men's Chorus. Years ago they did a Gay Pride Concerts on June 17, 2012 at 7pm at the Boutique Theatre, and since then their performance at the Teatro Vallarta in December for their Christmas holiday concert drew the largest crowd ever to the Theater, a main center of the town's culture. The chorus is now a member of GALA Choruses, a worldwide organization that represents over 8,000 singers and some 170 choruses throughout the world. For more info about their activities, you can send an email to info@pvmenschorus.org 

Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtles Program of Protection & Conservation
For many years Mexico has had one of the most advanced programs of protection of marine turtles in the world, where programs are implemented for the protection of this natural wonder and international resource. Puerto Vallarta has been protecting sea turtles and their egg laying since 1993. Turtle experience activities are available between June and October. Read Justin Burch's article The Olive Ridley turtle - Puerto Vallarta's favorite ocean visitor about the many sea turtles that make their way home to the beaches of Puerto Vallarta in order to lay their eggs in the sandy beaches of Banderas Bay. He writes that "with the assistance of the Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Protection Program, 96% of the eggs are able to hatch." Good news indeed. Sea turtle hatching occurs usually between July and December. Four of Mexico's 17 beach reserves are located in the state of Jalisco and are administered through the University of Guadalajara along with the government and private organizations.

Red Cross / Cruz Roja Mexicana - Rio de la Plata street at Rio Balsas.  Tel: 322-223-4305, 322-222-4973
Handles hospital and emergency services locally, offering its services to those who are unable to afford it. In need of operating funds and equipment as well as volunteers, as you could well imagine. One of the outstanding charitable organizations in Mexico that always offers massive assistance in earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters that afflict the country. See their facebook page for more information and photos. Rio de la Plata street in Colonia Lopez Mateos. Contact the Red Cross clinic, Phone: 322-222-4973, for the Red Cross ambulance, Phone: 322-222-1533 or Aurea Torres, Tel: 322-222-2455.

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza / R.I.S.E. (Vallarta Children's Shelter of Hope) -  251 Ricardo Flores Magon.  Tel: 322-222-7857
Shelter for babies and children under the age of fifteen, the RISE Children Shelter-Refuge was established in 2001 and is run by the nuns from the Order of Carmelites of Jesus of Nazareth. Some of the children are orphans or come from unbearable situations having been abused, neglected or simply abandoned. Some have been transferred from other facilities because of overcrowding and many have been in institutions for most of their lives. They currently provide a home to approximately thirty children, but have the capacity for up to fifty. Located at 251 Ricardo Flores Magon street, Colonia Benito Juarez, Puerto Vallarta. Visitors will once again be welcome after the COVID epidemic is under control, 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm. For further information visit Children's Shelter Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza.  Contact Madre Mari, Tel: 322-222-7857; Cell phone (English spoken): 322-127-2401, 322-149-2222.

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta
Helps fund and promote sterilization, health care and adoption of animals in the area. Founded in 2007 by long-term resident Janice Chatterton, they opened their sanctuary in 2012. The main focus has been to rescue abused and homeless animals from the streets and place them in foster homes. They also provide private vet costs for rescued animals, foster homes for cats and dogs, and an adoption network. Email contact: spcapv@gmail.com To volunteer, adopt, foster or donate to the Protective and Compassionate Society for the Animals of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, you can visit their Facebook page or the main website at Puerto Vallarta SPCA. Note that they are always looking for foster homes in and around Seattle and Vancouver.

Toys for Tots
Raises funds to purchase toys for distribution to the neediest kids of the Bay area on Three Kings' Day, January 6. Donations of cash or toys are accepted year round. Contact: Jerry Lafferty, Tel: 322-221-6156; Kelly Trainor, Tel: 322-222-0069, or Gaby Castro at the Marriot hotel, Tel: 322-221-0004.

Vallarta Abuelos - 1261 Bolivia street, Colonia 5 de Diciembre.  Tel: 972-965-5727     
Founded in 2018, Vallarta Abuelos (Vallarta Grandparents) has developed a educational program that serves 800 children in the 5 de Diciembre colonia and adjacent neighborhoods. These children receive Christmas gifts, bikes, plus school bags and supplies. During the corna-virus pandemic the Grandparents group organized and distributed generous bags of food that contained staples, meat, fresh vegetables, milk and eggs to some 7,000 people. Vallarta Abuelos current programs include Vallarta School Bag Project for backpacks and school supplies to help 800 children continue studying; Scholarships to cover education expenses; Bicycle Project where they purchased and distributed more than 125 bikes for underprivileged children; and the Santa Project for providing gifts for 800 needy kids. Their ‘Safe House’ offers a safe alternative for the streets, where for children can study, play, eat, watch television and hang out. Contact Anne Marie Weiss-Armush, Phone: 972-965-5727.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens -  Tel: 322-223-6182
Opened in 2005 with over 3,000 different species of native and non-native plants such as cactus, palms, ferns, orchids and bromeliads. The non-profit Vallarta Botanical Gardens (visit to my special page) are located approximately 17 miles (at Km. 24 Highway to Barra de Navidad) south of the city in the lower Sierra Madre mountains. Situated on 20 sprawling acres of highlands, it's a lovely natural attraction where you can spend some quality time outdoors communing with Nature with your family and friends. Many visitors to these lovely Botanical Gardens now consider this a Vallarta must thing to see and do. As of summer 2021, the entrance fee is 200 pesos pesos per person, for all non-members, and free for members.  Phone: 322-223-6182 or 322-223-6184.

Vallarta Food Bank - 468 Rio Lerma street, colonia Lopez Mateos.      
"Our beloved Vallarta is facing a crisis with many people out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help our community, we have set up a food bank for the families in Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas. Without your support, feeding those in need becomes an even more challenging task. You are crucial to Vallarta Food Bank's mission: no one goes hungry."  Currently, this organization serves hot meals five days a week from their soup kitchen, while continuing to provide despensas (food bags) to families in need. In addition, they support the families from Pasitos de Luz, Foundation Down A.C., and Red de Asociaciones Altruistas. They also make bi-weekly deliveries to more than thirty (30) families who are physically unable to leave their homes. As of 2021 the Food Bank (facebook) is a federally-recognized charity in Mexico. Volunteers and donations are needed. Contact Francie Nguyen.  Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm

Vallarta Garden Club/Club Jardines  
The Vallarta Garden Club is devoted to enhancing the beauty, appeal and value of Puerto Vallarta through some very vibrant public landscaping. They also offer educational presentations on topics of interest to their many members, as well as hosting social events each year for like-minded residents and visitors to town. Their volunteer and professional gardeners plant, water and maintain hundreds of planter boxes, especially along Old Town streets. Since 2011 they’ve planted tens of thousands of beautiful palms, bougainvillea, trees and plants. See photo (left) taken in June 2022 after the planting on the Cuale River Island near the John Huston statue. For further information and photos visit Vallarta Garden Club (facebook).

Western Ecological Society
The Western Ecological Society (Sociedad Ecologica de Occidente) is a non-profit agency in Mexico created to promote the conservation of Puerto Vallarta natural resources. The organization seeks to create simple projects, but with a clear focus that fulfills objectives with a minimum of capital. Their goals include: "To promote and to impel the protection and conservation of the Wildlife and natural resources in the region of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas in Mexico. To foment the respect of nature through environmental education, creating conscience and willingness to contribute to the conservation of wildlife." The Western Ecological Society also works to develop and support specific projects of conservation and ecosystem restoration and thus improve the quality of life for the inhabitants of the area through learning to cohabitate with Nature in the Puerto Vallarta Bay Area with details and photos about Marine mammals as well. They have non-commercial ecological sea turtle tours (July 15-Oct 15) as well as bird watching, photo-hiking and whale watching. In town at Privada Bahia de Acapulco 46, Parques las Palmas  Email: seaturtlesvta@aol.com or seaturtlesvta@aim.com

Also helping out the children of Vallarta is the charitable organization Children's Shelter of Hope Foundation, among others. One of the most complete lists of community service groups is on-line at Banderas News here Puerto Vallarta Charities & Non-profit Organizations and also through the PV Angels website, which has much info on local charities of the Vallarta and Banderas Bay/Nayarit areas.

Note: The information provided in the Puerto Vallarta Gay Travel Guide was considered accurate when posted but changes do occur, so you may wish to confirm details directly with the charities, environmental groups and PV non-profit organizations noted above.