4 easy and unforgettable service opportunities in Mazatlan, Mexico

A great way to get to know the people in any place that you’re visiting is to serve the people there. And Mazatlan, Mexico is no exception. Here’s four easy and unforgettable service opportunities that you can take advantage of during your next trip to this beautiful city.

Our family recently went on vacation to Mazatlan, Mexico for three weeks. Instead of basking under the Mexican sun on the beach everyday, I wanted to give my five kids the opportunity to provide some service to the wonderful people of this country. It didn’t take long to find a plethora of opportunities that didn’t require much effort at all. Here’s what we did.

#1: Tres Islas Orphanage Fund

• Click here to make an online donation
• To schedule a visit and volunteer your time click here

This organization–which was established in 1987–financially funds six orphanages and about 150 children in Mazatlan, Mexico. From the donations that they receive, they purchase food, school supplies, shoes, uniforms, backpacks and the funding necessary for orphanage upgrades to ensure the children live in a safe, sanitary and healthy environment.

Our family was lucky enough to visit two of the six orphanages that they support. Aside from gathering needed supplies such as blankets and clothes, we also stayed and played with the kids. We did giant bubbles, painted and played soccer. Although the gifts were appreciated, you could really see the kids light up when we spent time with them and showed them that we cared.

#2: Gems of Mazatlan

• Click here to make an online donation
• Email: gemsofmazatlan@gmail.com

This non-profit organization was officially established in 2016 and founded by a Canadian couple. They provide service and weekly maintenance to four children’s homes in Mazatlan and recently opened the doors to a new transition home called Mi Futuro.

We were lucky enough to join this amazing group of people at one of their weekly service projects. We painted the outer wall of Cuidad de Los Ninos, picked up trash and trimmed bushes and greenery around the playground. Weekly service opportunities are available to roll up your sleeves and help out.

God’s Kids Feeding Centers

• Email: info@godskids.org
• Phone: 1.951.681.0025

This amazing organization provides children with two meals every day, and a safe place to play, learn, and grow while their parents are working at seven different feeding centers throughout Mazatlan. They help feed more than 430 children and 20 special needs orphans.

This was another one of our awesome service opportunities. Before we left on our trip to Mexico, I gathered stuffed animals from my neighbors and then we were able to give them away to these beautiful children. It was fun to have our kids give the stuffed animals to the kids. They were so grateful and they told us that it is little acts of service like this that means the world to these kids.

#4: Vendors and workers in Mazatlan

This is one of the overlooked service opportunities in Mazatlan, Mexico. Everywhere you go, you will find hard-working individuals spending hours day after day trying to make a living. As we sat on the beach, many people walked by selling Mexican pastries, fruit cups, homemade souvenirs and other services.

Instead of bartering with these individuals to get the lowest price possible, we usually would just pay what they were asking and sometimes we would even give them more. And instead of passing on that escamocha or tipping our Uber driver, we would embrace that culture and indulge on all the local favorites. We just tried to contribute to the local economy and show respect for these dedicated individuals.

Hopefully these service opportunities will get you started off on the right foot during your next trip to Mazatlan. Check out this video below of our experience visiting these wonderful orphanages in Mexico.

What other service opportunities have your found in Mazatlan, Mexico. Leave your comments below. Thanks for reading! Happy travels.

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