The Gift of Giving in Sayulita

The seasons are changing in Sayulita – summer is ending and high season will soon be upon us. As we move towards fall and the holiday season, we often think of loved ones that we need to buy or make gifts for. We look forward to bringing joy to little ones as they open their gifts. We celebrate with good food and good friends. Sometimes we reach out to the community and donate to others – with toys, clothes, and gifts of food. We are so generous during these times. But this “gift of giving” doesn’t have to be limited to just a couple of months – we can give year round in Sayulita.

Last year I played tourist during my visit to Sayulita and Bucerias. I hadn’t been to Mexico for years! My daughter and her boyfriend took me all around the area, showing me great places to eat, beautiful beaches to visit, local celebrations for Dia de Los Muertos, wonderful places to shop, and we finished up my trip with an exhilarating afternoon of zip lining through the jungle! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming in the colorful village of Sayulita, I knew I would be coming back!  

This year I wanted to do something different. I wanted to give something back to the wonderful community that had welcomed me. I was put into contact with some local organizations through Sayulita Life to find out what their needs were and how I could help. 

The public secondaria school in Sayulita said they needed books in Spanish for the students to read. I volunteer at a school in Palm Desert, California, so I asked the teacher to pick out some appropriate Spanish language readers for them. I also added in some markers, pencils, paper, glue sticks, and scissors. I also had found out that there was a fundraiser for CVIS on Halloween, which happens to be my birthday, and purchased tickets for the evening. 

An orphanage near Sayulita said they could use new clothing for the boys and girls there. I love to sew and it didn’t take me long to figure out I could make simple dresses for the girls. Over the summer I set to work copying patterns, cutting out various sizes, buying fabric, and sewing. I can definitely say I wasn’t bored this summer.

Just last week I was in Sayulita. I had the opportunity to visit my daughter and her boyfriend who now call Sayulita their permanent home. I delivered the school supplies and books to the public secondario school in Sayulita, along with the dresses I’ve made for the girls in the orphanage outside of town, as well as shorts and shirts for boys in the same facility. It was exciting to meet the children and spend the day reading and playing with them.

Why do I do this? Because it gives me great joy! It makes me feel good to help others and give back to a wonderful community, such as Sayulita. As a retired person, I often wonder, “What do I do next?” For me, this is my “next”  - maybe it’s yours too.  

What can you do? Put your talents to use – adopt a local school – teach an art class, reach out to any of the local organizations in Sayulita and ask how you can help. The need is great, and we are all so fortunate to come to Sayulita as visitors, or even call it our second home.

The gift of giving in Sayulita is priceless.