News

From the magical imagery of Santa Claus and all the festive decorations lighting up homes, neighborhoods, schools and cities to the excitement and anticipation surrounding gift-giving, the holiday season is a wonderful time of year for most children. 

Unfortunately, about 22% of American children live in poverty, according to a Deloitte report about the state of the holiday season. In the Rio Grande Valley, that percentage is estimated to be higher due to poverty rates teetering between 22.6% and 30.1% across Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. 

“It’s a sad fact: Many children in the Rio Grande Valley will go without something under the Christmas tree while some won’t even have a tree in their home this holiday season,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “No child should go without experiencing the joy of receiving gifts during the holiday season!” 

So, to help ensure every child in South Texas has a memorable Christmas morning, South Texas Health System is partnering with Texas Department of Public Safety, Divine Pharmacy and Doctor’s Choice Rehab for the inaugural Troopers, Toys & Teddy Bears Toy Donation Drive, a program benefiting less privileged children in South Texas, including those in the Rio Grande Valley. 

In addition to encouraging employees across the system’s 12 facilities to donate toys for the noble cause, STHS and Texas DPS are calling on residents across the Rio Grande Valley to show their support.

“With help from the community, we’ll be able to bring a lot of smiles to boys and girls throughout all of south Texas,” says the drive’s leader, Trooper Santa, a former DPS officer who completed his service to the State Highway Patrol and has now turned his attention to helping collect and distribute new and unwrapped toys. “This is your chance to help ensure every kid receives a gift this Christmas!”

Now through Friday, December 20, toys valued at a $5 minimum can be dropped off at donation boxes placed near the registration or security desks at the main entrances at the following STHS locations:

• South Texas Health System McAllen, 301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503 
• South Texas Health System Heart, 1900 South D St., McAllen, TX 78503 
• South Texas Health System Edinburg, 1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539 
• South Texas Health System Children’s, 1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539 
• South Texas Health System ER Alamo, 140 E. Frontage Rd., Alamo, TX 78516 
• South Texas Health System ER McColl, 4702 S. McColl, Edinburg, TX 78539 
• South Texas Health System ER Mission, 900 E. Expressway 83, Mission, TX 78572 
• South Texas Health System ER Monte Cristo, 3505 N. Interstate 69C, Edinburg, TX 78541 
• South Texas Health System ER Pharr, 435 W. Ridge Rd., Pharr, TX 78577 
• South Texas Health System ER Ware Rd., 3700 Nolana Ave., McAllen, TX 78504 
• South Texas Health System ER Weslaco, 330 W. Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX 78599 

By taking part in the Troopers, Toys & Teddy Bears drive, which will culminate on Saturday, December 21, 2024, you will help bring smiles to the faces of children across South Texas this Christmas.