THE KIDS ARE COUNTING ON US – TOYS FOR TOTS 2026
It’s that time of year again, and you know what that means. Christmas is coming, Santa is getting ready, and it’s time for our annual TOYS FOR TOTS drive!
For many years now, the Tank Tops Flip Flops community, together with the Guanacaste Veterans Association, has been working hard to make sure that children throughout the Papagayo area have something special waiting for them on Christmas morning. Thanks to the generosity of friends, clients, local businesses and people from all over the world, we have collected thousands of toys and put smiles on the faces of countless children.
Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 257
And let me tell you, there is nothing quite like seeing those kids light up when they receive a Christmas present. It is what makes all the effort worthwhile, and it is why we keep coming back year after year.
BUT THIS YEAR, WE NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER!
Let’s be honest. It’s been a tough economic year here in the Papagayo Region. Things are expensive, businesses are feeling the pinch, and many families are having to stretch every dollar just to make ends meet. We all have our own challenges, and I completely understand that.
But here’s the thing. The kids don’t know that.
They are looking forward to Christmas. They are dreaming about Santa, wondering what might be under the tree, and counting on the magic that this time of year is supposed to bring. For many of these children, the toy they receive through this program may be the only Christmas present they get.
We cannot let them down.
So this year, I am asking everyone to dig a little deeper. If you have supported us in the past, THANK YOU, and I hope you will do it again. If you haven’t participated before, this is your chance to make a real difference in a child’s life. Whether it’s one toy, several toys, or a cash donation that allows us to purchase gifts in bulk, every contribution counts.
Don’t underestimate what a small gesture can mean to a child who might otherwise have nothing waiting for them on Christmas morning.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We have once again teamed up with the Guanacaste Veterans Association to collect new, UNWRAPPED toys for children throughout our local communities.
DROP OFF A TOY
Bring new, unwrapped toys to either of our Tres Amigos Realty Group offices in Playa Hermosa or Playas del Coco
MAKE A CASH DONATION
If you aren’t in Costa Rica or would prefer to let us do the shopping, I will personally be organizing a toy-buying expedition and purchasing as many gifts as possible on your behalf.
You can send donations through PayPal or Zelle to:
michael@tanktopsflipflops.com
Please include TOYS FOR TOTS in the payment description so we know exactly where to direct your donation.
If you have a property manager here in Costa Rica, another option is to have them send your contribution directly. They can contact me and we will coordinate the details.
LET’S MAKE SOME CHRISTMAS MAGIC!
Over the years, this community has shown us what is possible when people come together for a good cause. We have filled offices with toys, collected thousands of dollars, organized massive shopping trips and helped bring Christmas cheer to hundreds of local families.
This year may be tougher financially, but that makes our collective effort even more important, not less. We don’t need everyone to make a huge donation. We need everyone who can to do something.
So please, take a moment, look at what you can spare, and remember those little faces waiting for Christmas morning.
THE KIDS ARE EXPECTING TOYS. LET’S MAKE SURE SANTA DELIVERS!
A huge thank you in advance to everyone who steps up, digs deep and helps us make this another memorable Christmas for the children of Guanacaste.
I know we can count on you.
PURA VIDA!
Michael Simons
Tank Tops Flip Flops