BajaNomad

Dia de Reyes toy drive jan 06

fdt - 12-12-2006 at 01:14 PM

Hi to all,
I met with Mr. Baja Nomad himself, Doug Means, last week and we discussed several things, among those was this;
Organizing the first annual "Baja Nomad Toy Drive", to be held on January 6th for some needy children in Tijuana.

January 6th is a Saturday and we will have planned several events for the participating nomads. There is no cost to participate, the only requirement is a gift for one of the kids that we have lined up. these children are from displaced homes, orphans or their parents just abandoned them.

The idea of doing this toy drive on January 6th is because of time factor and also to take advantage of the celebration of Dia de Reyes.
There will be a couple of drop of points in the US for gifts if you plan to give but can not make the trip and if you are far from the border they could be mailed and would arrive on time.
I have seen many times how nomads and people that frequent this board are quick to help good causes, what better cause than giving the gift of happiness to a needy child.
For those that do make it down for this, I will post directions and meeting points, and of course there will be food for all of you that attend.

saludos
fernadetijuana

[Edited on 12-14-2006 by fdt]

Some background about Dia de Reyes

fdt - 12-12-2006 at 01:23 PM

¡Ya Vienen Los Reyes Magos!


After New Year's Day, Mexican families still have a very special date to commemorate and enjoy. On January 6, most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Baby Jesus.

On the night, of January 5, the figurines of the Three Wise Men are added to the nativity scene. Before going to bed the children place their old shoes under their bed or in the living room, where the Wise Men will leave them their presents. Some also place outside the house, some hay and a bucket with water for the animals, and even some cookies and milk for Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar.
You can feel the excitement building up! With twinkling eyes, the children eagerly, and constantly ask what time it is, wishing for time to fly so they could open their presents.
Reluctantly they go off to bed.
As soon as they wake up, which is earlier than any other day, they run to see the gifts that the Three Magi left for them. Happiness overflows every Mexican home.

The children spend the day playing and admiring each other’s presents, sharing them with friends, talking about how they were able to hear or see the Reyes Magos when they arrived at their home, how one of them heard the camel’s footsteps, how the other saw a shining crown in the dark night!
Meanwhile, adults prepare for the Merienda de Reyes, an early evening dinner that friends and families share to celebrate the Epiphany.


The Merienda de Reyes is truly a multicultural event. The Spaniards brought the tradition of celebrating the Epiphany and sharing the Rosca to the New World. The Rosca is served along with Tamales, made of corn which was the pre-Hispanic food per excel lance, and hot chocolate. Chocolate is also a gift from the native peoples of the New World.
People go to the markets and stores to get the needed ingredients to prepare the feast.

Hidden inside this delicious Rosca, a plastic figurine of the Baby Jesus. The Baby is hidden because it symbolizes the need to find a secure place where Jesus could be born, a place where King Herod would not find Him.
Each person cuts a slice of the Rosca . The knife symbolizes the danger in which the Baby Jesus was in.
One by one the guests carefully inspect their slice, hopping they didn't get the figurine.

Whoever gets the baby figurine shall be the host, and invite everyone present to a new celebration on February 2, Candelaria or Candle mass day, and he also shall get a new Ropón or dress for the Baby Jesus of the Nativity scene.
The Mexican Christmas season is joyously extended up to February 2 ! - when the nativity scene is put away, and another family dinner of delicious tamales and hot chocolate is served with great love and happiness.

Rosca de Reyes

All over the country, in every city and in every little town, bakeries offer the Rosca de Reyes, an oval sweetbread, decorated with candied fruit. There are Roscas of all sizes, very small ones for two or three people and up to the ones that will delight more that twenty people.

elgatoloco - 12-12-2006 at 01:33 PM

Thanks for the edumacation! :biggrin:

Look forward to more details.

Keep up the good work!!

FARASHA - 12-12-2006 at 02:44 PM

GREAT, enjoyed this as much as the Christmas celebrations descriptions, you posted on the other thread.Thanks again.

kellychapman - 12-12-2006 at 03:05 PM

FINALLY.....I get the straight story.....this will be my 3rd Dia de Reyes and have never completely understood as each time I celebrated....I bought several of the big breads and gave them to families....they told me the entire story...in Spanish....alot got lost in translation needless to say....but then again I was busy stuffing my face with Rosca's (now that I know the name) and watching the faces of everyone to really care. I knew whatever this holiday was for them was a very special...and I loved being a part of it...thank you for sharing.....it will make this year so much more special....

fdt - 12-12-2006 at 03:27 PM

No one wants to get the monito or figurine inside the bread because whoever does, has to make the tamalada (tamale party) on Feb 2nd, Dia de la Candelaria. Funny, one time when my little girl was in preschool, they had rosca de reyes on Jan 6th but the oposite happened, the kids that did not get the monito were crying, Yo quiero monito, yo quiero monito. If they only knew that the adults dread getting the monito :lol::lol::lol:

FARASHA - 12-12-2006 at 11:59 PM

okay - now.....anyone has a Rosca's receipt??
Considering to give it a try.
It reminds me on our 6th of January celebration as a kid, back home with Granny. And she celebrated it the way she was used to from her childhood.
My Grandparent was born and raised in Ex-Yugoslavia, and there they celebrated the 6th of January with homemade Doughnuts - AND in the whole bunch every houshold made, there were in just 3 Doughnuts COINS hidden, referring to the 3 wise men.
The coins were of different value, one was equal like a dime, one with a half Dollar, and one with 1 dollar.
NOW imagine how many doughnuts we kids stuffed into our tummys to find the coins :biggrin: Who found the 1 Dollar - was THE KING of the day, of course!!!!

Cypress - 12-13-2006 at 08:10 AM

Call 'em King Cakes. They make 'em during Mardi Gras season down in Dixieland. Sorta like a giant sweet roll. If you get the little plastic baby you're sopposed to buy the next cake.:bounce::spingrin:

fdt - 12-13-2006 at 07:09 PM

Ill be talking abou this toy drive tonight Right now
go to the bajanomadchat and ask away

Update

fdt - 12-13-2006 at 09:48 PM

I met yesterday With Ms. teresa Peña and with Lupita Avitia at the state social development office in Tijuana to discuss the Baja Nomad Toy Drive and they were very helpful as well as willing to help in any way that we need to make this happen. We looked at the posibility of having a bus pick up nomads at the border or San Ysidro and bring them to the event, that we are thinking could be; Visit one home were children live, pick those children up in another bus and take them to a second location, pick up some more kids and make a field day and take everyone to Tecate to the site were the new Casa de la Esperanza is beeing built and have the Dia de Reyes celebration there, with food and refreshments for all. I will have more details by this comming Monday. COTUCO (Convention and Visitors Bureau) Tijuana will be in charge of the logistics for this toy drive and will coordinate with all officials like customs, for crossing toys into México and police escorts, etc. As I said I will have more info for you by monday or earlier if available.
How many of yu think could come down to México on Jan 06, it is a Saturday and it would be an all day event, probably from 10AM to 6 or 7 PM.

CaboMagic - 12-14-2006 at 08:20 AM

Team CABO MAGIC Sportfishing will be pleased to donate toys for the children .. please provide U.S.A. address ship to address - you can email us, and/or U2U and/or or post here -- Ferna what are the ages/gender of some of these children? .. and how many are there? T&L

There must be a conection somewere

fdt - 12-14-2006 at 08:36 AM

Maybe it's the Garcia part, but I somehow knew you'd be the first or one of the first to respond as you always do. I'll give you details as soon as I have them. You guys are great, que Dios los bendiga siempre.

tripledigitken - 12-14-2006 at 10:26 AM

fdt,

I live in San Diego and have a F250 truck. I would be happy to shuttle toys around, and or to Tecate. Let me know.

Ken

Thanks Ken

fdt - 12-14-2006 at 12:41 PM

We just might need your help, I'll let you know.
Ok, Here is the first US address were you can send your gifts to;
Baja Nomad Toy Drive
c/o Fernando Garcia
1655 Broadway, Suite 10
Chula Vista, CA 91911

The name of the business is Miscellaneous and it is located on Broadway, between Main and Anita street in Chula Vista if you would like to personaly take your gift (s) in, ask for Ms. Liliana Prieto.

I will post kids info and their requests soon. Please stand by.

great idea

sylens - 12-14-2006 at 06:41 PM

how about a drop-off point or a bank account number for north baja residents who'd like to participate but don't frequently head north to tijuana (and obviously cannot use mexican correo)?:lol:

are any nomads connected with compañeros de baja? they might be willing to help.:yes:

eager to hear!:bounce:

Thanks sylens

fdt - 12-14-2006 at 09:35 PM

I will have an Ensenada address for you folks also, I'm juggling a few things here, I also will have a Mexicali and a Calexico address. I appreciate your patience with me in getting all this info for you.

Come on Bob H, join this thread

fdt - 12-14-2006 at 10:54 PM


fdt - 12-15-2006 at 09:16 PM

Ok, I have a total count, 68 kids in Tijuana and 2 in Mexicali. I should have pictures and stories by tomorrow.

Got to meet the kids

fdt - 12-16-2006 at 08:40 PM

This morning the kids met for a posada (Christmas party) at Santos Martires de Cristo Rey church at Tijuana's Lomas Taurinas and Insurgentes. No gifts for them because of no funds, but they enjoyed a beautifull party with a tamalada and cake, take a peak at the following link wich is were we will be posting most or all of the kids info by Monday.
saludos y gracias
http://ultimatebaja.com/html/events.html

CaboMagic - 12-17-2006 at 10:04 AM

Arent we all related by six degrees of separation??!!??

Is there a gender count?

LG

fdt - 12-17-2006 at 01:52 PM

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

Thanks Lori

fdt - 12-18-2006 at 05:17 PM

I answered your emails, Thanks a lot

fdt - 12-20-2006 at 04:13 PM

More on the toy drive on tonights show at 6PM PST, 7PM Baja California Sur time

I have new info

fdt - 12-21-2006 at 05:34 PM

Hi there Nomads:

Thank you for being so patient, I just now received the info regarding age and gender of the kids and it’s as follows:

There are 31 girls, 2 of 5, 2 of 6, 3 of 7, 8 of 8, 3 of 10, 10 of 12 and 3 of 13. 35 boys, 1 of 5, 5 of 6, 3 of 7, 5 of 8, 6 of 10, 12 of 12 and 3 of 13. Don’t know if this falls in the kid category but there are also in that group 4 girls and 2 boys ages 14, I know that in the US at 13 they are teenagers. So that is the list, at this point there are no special requests.
At this point I have confirmed gifts from Lori from
http://www.cabomagic.com .
The toy drive is on Jan 6th, thanks for your gifts.

DianaT - 12-21-2006 at 06:07 PM

Maybe you already addressed this, but I missed it.

Do you want the gifts wrapped and gender and age coded, or do you want them unwrapped?

And, IMHO, 14 years old still counts!

Diane

fdt - 12-22-2006 at 05:51 PM

Thanks, unwraped is prefered and if you can wraping separate if not we should have some. And yes, here 14 year olds are still kids to.
saludos

fdt - 12-22-2006 at 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sylens
how about a drop-off point or a bank account number for north baja residents who'd like to participate but don't frequently head north to tijuana (and obviously cannot use mexican correo)?:lol:

are any nomads connected with compañeros de baja? they might be willing to help.:yes:

eager to hear!:bounce:

Thanks again Sylens, for Ensenada the drop off point is Avenida Ruiz #1626, it's by 16th street, pretty easy to find, with Mrs. Ilvia Palomino, her phone # (646) 155-6046.
Now as for a donation, if you don't know what to buy, we have set up an accout with a gentleman that is helping us with this and it's at Bancomer, acct# 12341 73449 under Jaime Aranda Guerrero.

Oso - 12-23-2006 at 11:42 AM

Ferna, check u2u.
What is developing for Tecate and/or Mexicali?

Update

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 08:39 PM

I have confirmed a bus for 50 Baja Nomads and or non-nomads, to pick up and return to San Ysidro (that is the US side), we will visit the Tijuana Cultural center's Museo de las Californias and Jardin Caracol, we will visit the Tijuana Comand and Control center from there we will go to deliver toys with the kids and have the traditional Tamales and Champurrado and of course the Rosca de Reyes, after that we will be visiting the Historical Society's exhbit hall. I am yet to get confirmation on wine tasting at LA Cetto or beer tasting at Tijuana Beer brewery. If you'd like to park your vehicle on the US side and use the bus, just let me know via email or U2U, if you want to come across in your vehicle, we will have police escort and the entrance for the gifts trough customs arranged by the Tijuana Convention and Visitor Bureau. The state Secretary of Tourism or a representative will also accompany us as well as the state's Social Development department.

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 08:50 PM

Day trip price per person for this tour $At least one toy:yes:

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 09:06 PM

For those of you that do not know what to buy, here is a good link to get an idea and by no means go arround getting expensive stuff please, if you'd like to give a lot this way you can get 2, 3 or 4 toys, no english speaking toys unless they can translate, and no AK47 looking toys
http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2269725 This does'nt mean that you buy there, but it can give you an idea as to age and gender. If you wait till after Christmas, toys are usualy marked down considerably all over like Target, Walmart, Toysrus, K-mart, even Riteaid and walgreens sell toys, the link is just for ideas.

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 09:27 PM

Thanks a lot to those that have already pledged gifts, thanks for the two bikes from anonimous donor and the wrist watches for older kids. Keepm commin it's a lot of kids and we have 2 weeks left.
saludos y gracias

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 09:41 PM

Remember if you are in México like I see a Supermoderator and can't make it to Tijuana for the toy drive or don't know what to buy, you can help out by donating and we will purchase a gift in your name gift wrap and all. we have set up an accout with a gentleman that is helping us with this and it's at Bancomer, acct# 12341 73449 under Jaime Aranda Guerrero. Thank goodness Mulege now has a Bancomer ;D

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 09:49 PM

Ok Ok stop pushing, there is room for everyone on the bus (over 3000 registered users on Baja Nomad?).
I know, if you all insist on giving so much I'll have to raise the bus fare to 2 or 3 gifts per person:lol::lol:

If you cant make the trip

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 10:31 PM

US address were you can send your gifts to;
Baja Nomad Toy Drive
c/o Fernando Garcia
1655 Broadway, Suite 10
Chula Vista, CA 91911

The name of the business is Miscellaneous and it is located on Broadway, between Main and Anita street in Chula Vista if you would like to personaly take your gift (s) in, ask for Ms. Liliana Prieto.

fdt - 12-23-2006 at 11:28 PM

I just love the fact that Bancomer is everywere, ready even in Mulege and of course in large cities like Ensenada and La Paz

David K - 12-24-2006 at 07:56 AM

Sounds like fun... how many are going?

fdt - 12-24-2006 at 10:27 AM

No head count yet, I have reserved a spot for you and Baja Angel. I do have a lot of gifts offered already, we still need a lot more. I will need a total count for the tamales to be made for all the people that come. As for the bus, I'm sure we can get a second or third if needed.

elgatoloco - 12-24-2006 at 01:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
US address were you can send your gifts to;
Baja Nomad Toy Drive
c/o Fernando Garcia
1655 Broadway, Suite 10
Chula Vista, CA 91911

The name of the business is Miscellaneous and it is located on Broadway, between Main and Anita street in Chula Vista if you would like to personaly take your gift (s) in, ask for Ms. Liliana Prieto.


Fern, what are the hours of operation at the above address or phone #. We can not make it on the 6th, but we want to drop some stuff by in Chula Vista next week.

Thanks for all your efforts!!

Merry Christmas!

fdt - 12-25-2006 at 04:10 PM

Thanks elgatoloco, they are open all day since they have a US post office there, that is why I picked that location, they are closed today Xmas and of course the 31st and 1st of Jan. Sorry I had not answered, we were without computer yesterday,
saludos

disclaimer

fdt - 12-25-2006 at 04:50 PM

The first annual Baja Nomad Toy Drive to be held on January 06, 2007 is an idea that came about from a conversation with Myself and Doug last month about the posibility of doing a toy drive and making some very needy children happy by providing them a present that otherwise they would not get for this holiday season because of financial or social circunstances. The first idea was to go to tecate were the new casa Esperanza is being built to house needy familys and or orphan children and with that trip we were going to take you, the participants on a side tour to wine counrty in valle de Guadalupe.
Weather has been very cold and tecate is in the higher altitudes so we decided a couple of weeks ago to just do everything in Tijuana. With nthat in mind I decided to start looking into getting a museum tour for CECUT, a visit to the historical society and comand center and I am still trying for Cetto or TJ beer, all this to show owr appreciation for those of you that participate and at a cost of 1 or more presents only, no money for bus or food involved. the reason for posting a banc account number inj Mexico, is because some nomads in mexico asked for an account or Ensenada address, that I have also posted. I do not have a US bank account to post as of yet.
So why a disclaimer?
Well, on November 4th I was with the Vivabajacactus by the city tour and I really enjoyed the places we visited and I admire the work Antonio and david did to put it together. This is not a copy of that, this is just a way to thank those that participate in this toy drive and these are things that I have been able to get without any cost, even the bus and tamales will be free and if we need more, better.
Sorry to bug you all with this but I was concerned that it might seem like a copy. If all goes good and we are successful with this toy drive, then next year will be planned with more time.
saludos, Merry Christmas and back to the toys

fdt - 12-25-2006 at 10:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by elgatoloco

Fern, what are the hours of operation at the above address or phone #. We can not make it on the 6th, but we want to drop some stuff by in Chula Vista next week.

Thanks for all your efforts!!

Merry Christmas!

Sorry, just got back, her phone # is (619) 585-3511 and will be open this week Tuesday - Saturday all day.
saludos y feliz navidad

CaboMagic - 12-26-2006 at 04:49 PM

Buenos tardes Ferna ..

The sleigh has been loaded. Pop & Consuelo will be at Lillianas store tomorrow (Wed) at approx 11am. They look forward to meeting you!

Thank you for doing this .. ding ding ding ...

Peace & Happiness from Team CABO MAGIC in Cabo San Lucas

fdt - 12-26-2006 at 07:40 PM

Thanks Lori and team Cabo Magic, I'll be there at that time,
Have a great New Year.

[Edited on 12-27-2006 by fdt]

David K - 12-27-2006 at 09:32 AM

It all sounds wonderful Ferna...

How about it Nomads...? Buy a toy (or two) and get a fun tour of Tijuana for free!

Let's support Fernando as much as we can...

DianaT - 12-27-2006 at 10:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
It all sounds wonderful Ferna...

How about it Nomads...? Buy a toy (or two) and get a fun tour of Tijuana for free!

Let's support Fernando as much as we can...


Dropped off toys yesterday. Would love to make it on the 6th, but not sure my knee is up to it yet.

We have already decided what we are going to do next year. We certainly are not rich, but we have what we need and want. Thus, we can just hear the conversation at our adult children's homes every year. "Oh gees, what can we get them this year for Christmas?" And the check that my elderly mother-in-law always sends that usually just goes into the checking account.

Next year, we will ask them to give us toys. We have done similar things in the past----so just a suggestion for you really hard to buy for sorts---toys may be the answer; toys for Fernando.

Happy New Year to all
Diane

Thank you

fdt - 12-27-2006 at 10:27 AM

Thanks JD for the toys, Thanks David k for the help and support, on our way right now to meet with Team Cabo Magic representatives that should arrive arround 11AM with their sleigh/panga ;D with presents for the kids

fdt - 12-27-2006 at 10:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
We certainly are not rich, but we have what we need and want.

As a note, we are not rich either and some times we really strugle to make it, but when you see these kids and know about their needs, you realize how much you have and take for granted

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrottertoys may be the answer; toys for Fernando.

Diane


Remember they are not for Fernando or I would have given you my personal bank info and home address. These toys are from Baja Nomads and that is what the people helping me know, what the kids will know and what we all will know.
Without you guys we could not do this. And most of all I thank Mr. Baja Nomad for allowing me the opportunity to represent you all.

Ok now there is only a 70 car wait, gotta go

Yikes!

DianaT - 12-27-2006 at 11:09 AM

Quote:

Remember they are not for Fernando or I would have given you my personal bank info and home address. These toys are from Baja Nomads and that is what the people helping me know, what the kids will know and what we all will know.


I am really sorry---I forget that things written don't often translate with the meaning and feeling behind the statement. I only referred to you as you are the contact person, and are the one working so hard to make it all happen. My sincere apologies for the way it read.

Hope you make it over the border with little wait time.

Diane

fdt

sylens - 12-27-2006 at 05:39 PM

mil gracias. we'll deposit into account on saturday.

dtrotter. great idea for next xmas!!!!

feliz año, all you nomads:yes:

elgatoloco - 12-27-2006 at 09:02 PM

Señor fdt, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the children.

We know Saturday will be memorable.

M&B

fdt - 12-28-2006 at 09:33 AM

Thanks bajasammy, elgatoloco, Oso, Roberto, Jdtrotter, CaboMagic, Sylens, anonimous with the bikes and others that have contributed so generously. And of course Mr. BajaNomad.

Attention Nomads

fdt - 12-28-2006 at 09:37 AM

It's getting down to the wire for the day trip part(FUN) of this toy drive, I will need to have a head count by next Tuesday, Jan 02 for the bus and tour and the tamale lady. Could those of you attending please U2U me.

BajaSedoso - 12-28-2006 at 02:21 PM

Hello Ferna,
thank you so much for organizing the toy drive. I will not be able to participate in the TJ tour but I will be dropping off some toys at Miscellaneous Plus in Chula Vista tomorrow. I am sure it will be a wonderful event!
Silke

fdt - 12-28-2006 at 02:26 PM

Thank you BajaSedoso and thanks M, the cyberhug lady ;D

fdt - 12-28-2006 at 02:36 PM

Gracias amigo grover

Don't forget

fdt - 1-1-2007 at 09:29 AM

I will need to know all that will be attending the toy drive soon, so the tamale lady can prepare.

David K - 1-1-2007 at 10:01 AM

Ferna, if people aren't going on the fabulous free tour you are providing can they BRING toys to the address you posted as well as mailing them?

TO HERE?:

If you cant make the trip



US address were you can send your gifts to;
Baja Nomad Toy Drive
c/o Fernando Garcia
1655 Broadway, Suite 10
Chula Vista, CA 91911

The name of the business is Miscellaneous and it is located on Broadway, between Main and Anita street in Chula Vista if you would like to personaly take your gift (s) in, ask for Ms. Liliana Prieto.

David K - 1-2-2007 at 06:13 PM

Today (Tue.), Baja Angel and I dropped some items off at 'Miscellaneous' in Chula Vista... in case we don't make Saturday's fun event.

That store is very easy to get to from I-5, just exit Main Street and head east to Broadway, turn north and enter the parking lot of the strip mall, on your right.

One exit north of Main on I-5 is 'Palomar', and there is a Target store at Palomar and Broadway as they have a large selection of possibilities for the kids...

Ford - 1-2-2007 at 11:47 PM

I am in NorCal and would like to get some toys to you. When would be the last day I could get them to you? Is Friday OK?
Thanks,
Ford

[Edited on 1-3-2007 by Ford]

Thank you Ford

fdt - 1-3-2007 at 09:06 PM

Look at your U2U

[Edited on 1-4-2007 by fdt]

Here is the schedule for Saturday

fdt - 1-3-2007 at 09:59 PM

For all of those attending, the schedule is:
930AM meet at the San Ysidro parking lot that is located at the last US exit coming to Mexico Camino de la Plaza exit, and at the end of the offramp make a right at the stop light, here is the link (thanks Amo)

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=4570+Camino+d...
We will leave San Ysidro @10AM and go first to the Tijuana Historical Society for a tour and pick up some special guests (special kids) and go to the toy giveaway location, were we will meet the kids that all of the Baja Nomads are sponsoring and have a great time with them and enjoy some good mexican eating also with tamales, champurrado, Rosca de Reyes and chocolate. At about 12:30 - 12:45 we say goodbye to the kids, take the special guests back and head for the Control and Comand center, at about 2 PM we will head to CECUT (Cultural Center) and at about 3:15 - 3:30 we will go to LA Cetto winery. At about 4:30 we will take a tour to the Casa de la Cultura and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. After that we head back to the border passing through the world famous Avenida Revolucion.
It will be a great day and 112 kids will have a great Dia de Reyes thanks to Baja Nomads who are making this all possible for them.

fdt - 1-3-2007 at 10:13 PM

http://ultimatebaja.com/html/events.html

BajaNomad - 1-4-2007 at 02:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
930AM meet at the San Ysidro parking lot that is located at the last US exit coming to Mexico Camino de la Plaza exit, and at the end of the offramp make a right at the stop light...
And look for the sign immediately on the right that says, I believe, "Border Station" - or "The Border Station".

:smug:

--
Doug

fdt - 1-4-2007 at 07:07 PM

Have a final head count, thanks. If some one would like to join, the tamale lady needs to know now.:rolleyes:

David K - 1-6-2007 at 09:59 PM

Well.................. HOW WAS IT????

:?::?::?::yes::yes::bounce:

tripledigitken - 1-7-2007 at 07:20 PM

Dia de Reyes Toy Drive 2007

Well the toy drive was a overwhelming success. Over 100 children received toys that they were not expecting to get. Fernando organized this event with donations (more than were passed out yesterday) from generous Baja Nomads.

Smiles were shared by all. All of us there will never forget the looks on the faces of those appreciative children. I hope the pictures convey some of the experience.

I'm sure Doug and Fernando will post thoughts of their experiences as well.


We also toured the L.A. Cetto wine tasting room, as well as the Command Center of the Police Department.

Thanks again to all who participated in this event, especially Fernando and his beautiful family



[Edited on 12-10-2009 by tripledigitken]

David K - 1-7-2007 at 07:56 PM

Thanks!!!

Thank you to all Baja Nomads

fdt - 1-8-2007 at 06:44 PM

The 1st Annual Baja Nomad Dia de Reyes toy drive was a huge success :tumble::yes::tumble:. In the beginning stages for this 1st event I wanted to see first of all what kind of response we would have from the board so I was looking for a group of 50 kids max. The group of children that we found that was more close to that was 65, so when we started we had 65 kids, then it went to 72 and at the end 40 more children were added and these had some sort of disability, some were deaf, mute, some had down sindrome and some were in wheel chairs. Wow, can we do it? 112 kids :?: Well, thanks to people like you, Baja Nomads, Baja enthusiasts and beautiful humans that you are:saint:, we did it. We had well over 250 gifts:yes:, from shirts to bicycles, from Mickey and Minnie stuffed dolls to baseball bats and balls, tea sets and Barbies, soccer balls and basket balls:bounce:, we had all kinds of toys and gifts for all. Well the plan was to come across the day of the toy drive with Nomads and gifts and take them to the children, until Mrs fdt said that we should separate them by ages and gender and avoid a problem when distributing the gifts. Thank god for her, during the last few days before the toy drive, we crossed all the toys to México and it took my wife and kids 2 days to sort the toys out and specialy the ones for kids with some sort of dissability. Friday evening the last toys arrived, some from Yuma;D, special delivery and some from Las Vegas on California Overnight:wow:, wow, wow, wow :wow:
We were set, wake up early Saturday, get the bus, load it up, go across to get Nomads, pretty simple huh, no, I forgot about mexican time;), bus driver was late:rolleyes: . Mrs fdt said she was amased as to how an entire country can go by the same time :lol: So by the time we left San Ysidro it was 10:30 so we whent to the historical Society and just picked up our special guest Mr. Gilberto Rios and headed up to meet the children. When we got there and got off the bus, we could hear the childrens songs comming from the small wooden structure that is theire small chappel, as we entered and I saw all those kids sitting on the benches, singing, wow, gosh, gee, shucks, what a feeling, to me it was so emotional, we did it, they were there and we were there, I was ready to cry. Beeing the macho mexicano that I am I composed myself and I hoped no one noticed :lol: . We went in and were escorted to one side of the little church as the kids started singing Las Mañanitas and then their translation or the only english song they knew they all sang happy birthday :yes: . Whitnessing or handing out those gifts was one of the greatest things anyone can experience, beats whale watching :yes: . After the toys were passed out, and there were many, it was time for some greeeat tamales with frijolitos and champurrado I wasn't realy hungry because of all the excitement so I only had about 6 tamales 2 plates of frijoles and 3 champurrados, I stoped to save room for the Rosca de Reyes :rolleyes: .
From there we took the 40 special kids back to theire meeting place and headed to the comand center were we had to wait till some reporters from México City left and so we were back on schedule (mexican time schedule :lol: ) so we skiped the cultural center and headed straight for the LA Cetto wines, when we got there, after some talking we went down to the cellars and then back upstairs for some good vino. From there we went down Constitucion avenue all the way to 2nd and then back up Revolucion were our day ended.
To all of you, MUCHAS GRACIAS, HICIERON FELICES A MUCHOS NIÑOS QUE DE OTRA FORMA NO HUBIERAN TENIDO REGALO, GRACIAS!
January 6, 2008 will be a Sunday, mark you calendars

Pictures

fdt - 1-8-2007 at 07:05 PM

With all the excitement, we took no pictures, but tripledigitken did and I'm sure Doug will post his soon.

DianaT - 1-8-2007 at 07:36 PM

Fernando,
Thank you so much for bringing this all together, and oh, the stress in the beginning wondering if it would all work. What a great job.

The pictures are wonderful and I hope Doug posts more. If we are in town and healthy next year, we will be there. I hope all of the children left just a little happier.

Curious, are these kids in special homes or? Just wondering about clothing drives and school supplies etc. Oh, I really thought it was special that the "special" children were included.

Again, Thank you.

Diane

roxyoso - 1-8-2007 at 10:41 PM

GREAT job Fernando!!!
And wonderful photos Ken.. you really captured the happiness in those ninos faces.
A clothing/ shoes/ school supply event sounds like a good idea.
Amigos helping amigos.

fdt - 1-9-2007 at 12:50 AM

thanks Diane and roxioso for your concern and your gifts for the toy drive, yes they are in need of other things too. For now I think we have to clean up the mess here at home. And again thanks to all who participated and as stated in past posts on this same thread thanks to Tomi and Lory and team Cabo Magic they were a huge contributor, Oso, Roberto, elgatoloco,BajaSedoso, annonimous with the bikes, David K and Baja Angel, Sylens, bajasammy, Doug means and family, tripledigitken and wife Paula, Michelle , Ford, Liliana from Miscelaneous, Don Tomas and Consuelo Garcia and so many other people that made this possible.
Sometimes we can give more and sometimes we can give less, sometimes we cant give at all even though we want to and that also counts. Sometimes we give and don't even say we gave. I believe that this board is full of great people, it's been proven several times in the past and continues to be proven and we all take turns depending on our posibilities. Very important also were the people in Tijuana, from Cotuco, Cecut, police, Don Gilberto Rios, Roberto the bus driver the adults at the small church, Lupita, Pfra. Peña, Padre Javier, Antonio and his wife Emilia (the tamale lady), my family for putting up with me, and those that we sometimes don't know helped, everyone.
Again MUCHAS GRACIAS
Fernando

[Edited on 1-9-2007 by fdt]

David K - 1-9-2007 at 11:16 AM

We are very happy it went over well Fernando, with more time to plan, next year's should be even more wonderful and we hope to join you!

Oso - 1-9-2007 at 06:15 PM

Hey, c'mon. Somebody's got more pics, no?

David K - 1-9-2007 at 06:32 PM

Really... come on DOUG!!;D

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
...I'm sure Doug will post his soon.
Mañana has arrived.

:saint:

I'll never forget the look of surprise all the kids had looking over their shoulders when we came in the back door....

Fernando, thank you very much for not only the inspiration to do this, but having the follow-through to make it actually happen. Bravo amigo.

Thanks also to all the Nomads that donated toys for the kids. Sometimes little things are big things - and your contributions were a very big positive for the kids here January 6th.

A very special thank you also to Lori & Tommy of Cabo Magic - who went WAY, WAY into the realm of "you shouldn't have" to provide a great abundance of what was delivered that day.

Giver's gain. They always do.

;D

--
Doug

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:33 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:34 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:35 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:36 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:38 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:38 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:39 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:40 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:42 PM

If I understood - and recall - correctly, these were the "wish lists" the children had written. Here placed under the baby Jesus figurine at the front of the chapel.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:43 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:44 PM

Another bicycle given away.... and the recipient. The donor wished to remain anonymous.... but I know who you arrrrrre my friend - and thank you very much.

;D

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:47 PM

.

BajaNomad - 3-7-2007 at 03:52 PM

The local officials donated the use of the bus we used for transportation around Tijuana on the 6th. Very cool.

fdt - 3-7-2007 at 05:35 PM

Mañana? There has to be some mexicano in you Doug :lol::lol::lol::lol:
Thanks for posting the pics.
Thanks to anonymous indeed and Tommy and Lori and Oso And JDT and sylens and bajasammy and DK and all of you beautiful people.
Jan 06 2008 is only 10 months away
Love and respect to all of you.
fernando y familia;)