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Collecting Toys for Tots

Many years ago the Padre Island Yacht Club came up with the idea to hold the first ever La Posada Lighted Boat  Parade; thus beginning an annual Christmas tradition. The boats are lit with festive lights, and in many and varied a theme, and travel a pre-determined route though the canals of the Laguna Madre. This event is well publicized in advance, and many residents of the Island choose these evenings to hold Christmas parties in their homes and on their decks. Beginning in 1998, the PIYC added another great tradition; teaming up with the United States Marine Corps with the common goal of collecting toys for the annual “Toys for Tots” drive.

Small craft that can get in close and easily to the decks and docks collect donated toys from parade viewers and transport them to "Mother Ships". The donations are then loaded on to the Marine's trucks and whisked on to their final destinations. 

“In terms of gift-giving, the Padre Island La Posada Boat Parade is ahead of everybody", says Staff Sgt. Eloy Rohrman of “C” Company, 4th Marine Division. In December of 2003 more than 3700 toys were collected and helped to ensure a Merry Christmas for many children of South Texas.