La Orotava Launches 2026 Holiday Toy Drive to Support Vulnerable Families
La Orotava has launched its annual child assistance program, inviting residents and local businesses to sponsor gifts for children from low-income families to ensure an inclusive holiday season.
Addressing social vulnerability during the Christmas season is once again a top priority in La Orotava. The local council has begun preparations for its 2026 child assistance program. This initiative is more than just a gift drive; it serves as a way to bring the community together to support low-income families facing financial hardship.
Coordinated by the Departments of Social Welfare and Citizen Participation, the project aims to ensure that economic inequality does not affect children's emotional well-being during the holidays. These efforts reflect a commitment to the right to play and recreation—principles outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child—which can be difficult for families in financial distress to provide. The program relies heavily on the support of local businesses and residents to succeed.
Those interested in participating can sign up between November 3 and November 18. You can register by emailing apadrinaunailusion@villadelaorotava.org or calling 616 097 575. Once a child is assigned, sponsors are asked to drop off new, educational, or recreational toys at the La Torrita Multi-Use building between December 1 and December 11.
Mayor Francisco Linares praised the community’s long-standing generosity, noting that the program’s success reflects the municipality's strong social commitment. The initiative aims to go beyond material support, fostering a sense of empathy and ensuring that all children, regardless of their family's financial situation, can enjoy a normal and happy holiday season.