December will be chock-full of special events geared to warm hearts and spread holiday cheer among the less fortunate folks in the lakeside area. If you’re feeling the spirit of giving, mark the following happenings on your calendar:
Santa Paws photo ops
Santa Paws is coming to town, ready to pose for holiday portraits with your favorite furry friend. The cost is 200 pesos for your choice of one 8x10 photograph, two 5x7 images or four 3x5 shots, with all proceeds going towards the care of homeless canines at the Lucky Dog Rescue and Adoption Center.
The first session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 1-3 p.m. at San Marcos 7A in Riberas del Pilar. Additional dates and locations are Monday, December 9, 1-3 p.m. at the Chapala Country Club and Thursday, December 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Ocampo 54, entrance on Pedro Moreno. For precise directions and to book appointments call Barbara at 763-5038 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nestipac Posada
Visitors are welcome to help enhance festivities for seniors living in Jocotepec’s Nestipac barrio at a typical Mexican Posada party on Wednesday, December 11, 2 p.m., at the neighborhood church. Anyone who wishes to donate blankets, warm winter clothing or cash to buy gifts for the elders may contact Kathi (387) 763-2630 in Jocotepec, or Shelley (376) 766-0794 in Ajijic for details on drop-off points or pick-up service.
Holiday house tour
Support the Lakeside School for Children With Special Needs by attending the Behind The Walls House Tour and Christmas party on Thursday, December 12. The tour caravan leaves from the south end of Calle Colon-Morelos at 10:30 a.m. Tickets – priced at 250 pesos for this holiday occasion only – are on sale at two Ajijic locations: Diane Pearl’s Colecciones, Ocampo at Colon, and Charter Club Tours at Plaza La Montaña. For additional information, call Shirley West, 766-4997, or CeCe Girling, 766-3964.
Toys for kids
Jugueton 2013, the seventh annual gift collection marathon for underprivileged children, is slated for Saturday, December 14, noon, running around-the-clock through Sunday, December 15, 10 p.m. at the Chapala Plaza. Live entertainment is planned to draw donations during peak hours.
Organized by the San Francisco Church, last year’s campaign brought in more than 2,500 new and gently used toys and playthings for distribution to local youngsters whose families are hard strapped to buy them Christmas presents.
Hope House party
The Christmas party to be held Sunday, December 15, at the Hope House shelter for homeless boys in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos will be open to guests who have contributed towards gift packages of new clothing to be handed out to the youngsters. For full information, contact Christine and Barry at (376) 762-1628, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call Judy Baehr at 766-3244.