Cheryl’s Shoebox Final Days of Giving

Ten years ago, Cheryl Schrean saw a need and began taking her daily strolls with her backpack tossed over her shoulder full of shoes. Anytime she noticed someone with worn shoes or no shoes, she would stop them and pull a pair out of her satchel. At one point, she single-handedly collected over 3000 pairs of shoes to take out to the Christmas At the Dump event. Shortly after Cheryl passed, Vicki Steuterville, Michael Hammond, and Jaime Baldridge decided to keep her efforts going and Cheryl’s Shoebox was reborn. Throughout the years, we have received assistance from Dean McConkey, and Mark and Sue Schneider plus countless volunteers who have helped us pass out shoes and make the Cheryl’s Shoebox Summer Bash a huge success. After many years of dedicated service to the community, we discovered that we had outgrown our shoes and it grieves to say that we will be shutting down Cheryl’s Shoebox as soon as our final projects are completed. We estimate that we should have all projects completed by the end of March 2020.   Due to our growth over the last 5 years, we were advised that we should seek legal counsel to determine what our responsibility is to the Mexican government since we were no longer just passing shoes out of our backpacks.  After hiring an attorney, we were advised that due to the overwhelming support we received from all of you, that our little mom n’ pop charity would basically need to grow into a “full-time business” to continue our success.  This would require paying a substantial amount of attorney and filing fees plus monthly reporting, including accounting expenses, to the government in order to move to a large charity status. Our little labor of love was turning into a big business that would not have coincided with the original values of, Cheryl, our much beloved little-old-lady-who-passed-out-shoes.   We’ve been very proud of all that we have accomplished over the last several years and we owe it all to your generosity from the very beginning. Our first big shoe give away occurred in Chimo, which is located about 20 minutes south of Yelapa. After a few years of providing shoes to the 3 schools in Chimo, the El Tuito government stepped in and began providing them with new school shoes and backpacks with school supplies each year. We then turned our efforts to...
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New Windows In El Nogalito

A huge thank you to Dean McConkey and David for installing new windows at the Primaria School 167. The students here have been in class rooms with so many of the windows broken and shards of glass sticking out for over a year. Cheryl’s Shoebox jumped at the opportunity to help. Dean measured, cut the glass and installed new windows at the school with the help of David. After some love and hard work we hope we did a little bit to help these great kids. We could not leave of course without making sure everyone had some new sneakers.. 🙂   Thanks again dean for you all you do for the shoebox!   Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Revisiting El Colorado with Pastor Enrique

  Tuesday we were able to spend some time with the children in the pre and after-school program inEl Colorado Colonia / Gold Creek School. The program is mostly children under 14 years old run by Pastor Enrique and his wife Lorie with some assistance from our old friend Pastor Ric. After lunch, homework and some english lessons we were able to put shoes on about 100 children.  The children entertained us with some english songs and lots of laughter. This is Cheryl’s Shoebox 4th year working with this program. Special thanks to our volunteers David Anderson, Cathy McMenamin, Jaime Baldridge.           Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Christmas in Qumixto!

Christmas in Qumixto! Thursday January 9th we went to this small fishing village, that is accessible only by boat. An amazing lady Marcy McCann, has made it her mission to help the children of this village. We took many, toys, clothing and of course shoes. She provides them lunch and a fun party. Thank you Marcus and your generous customers at Reinas Bar for providing shoes to all the children. I took out about 150 pairs that you donated. The kids loved them! The balance of your shoes donated by Reinas will be distributed to a school in El Colorado, on the 21st of this month. I will send more photos then. Thank you Marcus and your elves…many happy children! Hugs! View our last post about “Christmas Morning At The Dump” to view where many more of the Reinas Bar Donations were sent.   Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Christmas Morning At The Dump 2019!

Cheryl’s Shoebox was able to participate for the 5th year in a row at the wonderful event of Christmas at the Dump. This event consist’s many organizations and individuals donating Toys, Food, Clothing, Soccer Balls, Shoes and more. Cheryl’s Shoebox  took over 650 pairs of shoes out…95% brand new. Thank you Marcus and the staff at Reinas Bar for your collection this year and all our  supporters that donated in 2019!     Christmas at the Dump Christmas at the Dump provides less fortunate children in Puerto Vallarta with toys, food, and clothing at Christmas . If you would like to help, join our page and we will keep you informed on how you can donate. Your donations will be used to buy gifts for the children at Christmas so that every child can receive at least one gift. This past Christmas we ran short and over 100 kids were turned away with out a toy. Please share this page with your friends and help the Children of the Dump at Christmas. Donations from the U.S. are tax deductible and can be made at http://casajojofoundation.org/ Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Cheryl’s Shoebox 4th Annual Summer Bash – Recap

Once again our community came out in great support on Sunday August 4th for a sunny fun filled day of music, laughter and friendly competition. With over a dozen sponsors and 175 attendees we were able to raise 75,000 pesos!  The money raised allows us to continue with our programs year round. Congratulations to our competition winner Captain Dons who dominated much of the game play throughout the day. We could not do this without the support from our friends at Babel Bar who kept up with the crowds and helped program the day. Thank you Arancha Asensio, Hector and all the staff who helped make this day a success. Thank you to all the artists from Qulture and Paul from Tesoros Vallarta who generously donated items for auction. A special thank you to Claudette Johnston for jumping in and bringing the auction to fruition .             This year was our first year with a Presenting Sponsor whose contribution covered a majority of the events expenses.  Thank you Julie Guerrero and your team at Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group for your  continued support of Cheryl’s Shoebox not only during our summer bash but year round.   Our 4th Annual Summer Bash also saw many new sponsors from our Community.  The Teams and Sponsors make our event a success.  Our heart filled thanks to each and every sponsor. Emcee Kami Desilets made sure the day ran smoothly with her wit charm and talent.  We are blessed to have such a supporter and friend. Thank you again Kami! This season you’ll catch Kami hangin’ with the Nacho Daddy gang doing shows, variety cabarets, “Kami-O” appearances and creating new fun shows with “Girls Night Out” where she gets to harmonize with Vallarta faves Stolie and Hannah Brady at Incanto. She’ll also be cooking up a Diva-Duo Cabaret of fun with Amy Armstrong and trying to up her game as a Fairy Drag Mother for “What A Drag!” in March.  Of course Kami always finds new ways to make herself even busier and plans to launch a new website in September to keep her fans well informed of the fun she has in store for them!   Our shoe decorating contest amazed us.  WinnerMargo Ruffin Hamilton (Qulture) submitted a beautiful painted boot and 1st runner up Tammy Carruthers Prust from Nacho Daddy continued her theme from last year with the old...
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Summer Bash Spotlight: Presenting Sponsor Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group

  Puerto Vallarta reigns as one of the most attractive and sought-after destinations in Mexico, not only for vacation time but also for real estate investment.  Purchasing real estate can be stressful in any part of the world. When you add in the considerations of purchasing outside of your home country, that can sometimes add another layer of anxiety.  The Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group understands this. From dream to reality through transition into another country, another culture, and another way of life, the team at the Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group helps build communities of happy, loving, cool people that nurture and enhance the environments where they choose to live and invest. In helping navigate the process for individuals investors coming from other countries who want to live in Mexico, retirees to digital nomads, the team learns who you are and what will make you happy. Leveraging worldwide resources, the team also provides local expertise to global needs.  Working with worldwide wealth and investment management groups, the Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group also focuses on clients who need access to premium and luxury real estate investment opportunities in Mexico. The Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group proudly sponsors Cheryl’s Shoebox in their continuing efforts to build healthier and happier communities in the Bahia de Banderas.  They have been participating in the Shoebox Summer Bash since its inception, capturing the first place prize during the games competition the first year. They have been back every year since trying to recapture the coveted traveling boot trophy.  They claim this year is the year! If you are interested to learn more about real estate opportunities in Mexico, meet new friends and neighbors at their famous poolside cocktail parties, and help support organizations that help create a better world, you can follow the Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group on Facebook or sign-up for their newsletter on their website. Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JulieGuerreroRealEstateGroup/ Website: http://julieguerrerorealestategroup.mx/ Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Summer Bash Spotlight: Emcee Kami Desilets

Kami Desilets, Vallarta’s “Chameleon of Characters” is a Theatre & Entertainment Creative who performs and creates in Puerto Vallarta at various different venues in Zona Romantica.  She is over the moon to return as your Mistress of Ceremonies for the 4th Annual Cheryl’s Shoebox Summer Bash. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, Kami has spent her entire life in the theatre arts:  Musical Theatre, Drama, Solo performance, Sketch Comedy, Cabaret, Dance, Vaudeville, Independent Film, Cartoon Voice-over, Music, Street Performance, Folk Festivals, Fringe Festivals, Performance Poetry, Dinner Theatre, Event Planning, Singing Telegrams… the list goes on. This season you’ll catch Kami hangin’ with the Nacho Daddy gang doing shows, variety cabarets, “Kami-O” appearances and more– Creating new fun shows with “Girls Night Out” where she gets to harmonize with Vallarta faves Stolie and Hannah Brady at Incanto– Cooking up a Diva-Duo Cabaret of fun with Amy Armstrong, and trying to up her game as a Fairy Drag Mother for “What A Drag!” in March.  Of course, she always finds new ways to make herself even busier, so plans to launch a new website in September to keep her fans well informed of the fun she has in store for them! In the meantime, you can follow her on: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kami.desilets Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kamidesilets/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9CObVpyF6N2Vwwm3c3fw bandsintown:  https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15390650  Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Musical Guests Announced

  We are excited to announce the bands to play at Cheryl’s Shoebox  4th Annual Summer Bash!   Check Ruiz Cheko Ruiz is a Mexican singer-songwriter, musician and producer of Indie music. For 4 years he was the singer, leader and main composer of the group Luna Rumba. Now with a prolific career as a soloist he mixes Rumba, hip hop, reggae, samba and many other rhythms that we can enjoy with his music. He has won prizes such as: John Lennon competition (best song World music) Indie Awards (best Latin album) Links:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chekoruizmexico/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2zWyi5dFTrJdqOO4otY6N2 You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSKkCjCzz81F9g1S6OBjteQ/featured Zarapes de Neón Es un proyecto que nace tras la unión de músicos de diferentes lugares y bandas, con diferentes tendencias, gustos y habilidades musicales. Zarapes de Neón se forma de la unión de todos, atravez de la experiencia musical. Born after the union of musicians from different places and bands, with different tendencies, tastes and musical abilities. Zarapes de Neón is formed by the union of all, through the musical experience. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zarapes-de-Ne%C3%B3n-1512326685674053/ Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Christmas Giveaway For Cancer Children.

Cheryl’s Shoebox had a giveaway on January 12th for the 17  young cancer children that were in the program at that time. We would like to thank the Aha! Group for their generous donation and Aurora de la Torre for all her generous time and help working closely with the children along side Cheryl’s Shoebox. Thank you Monica Diaz of Escala Arquitectura e Ingenieria and Club Rotario Puerto Vallarta Sur for providing a luncheon and various gifts. Aurora provided a wish list from the children and Cheryl’s Shoebox was able to provide them with fans, printer and paper, mattresses, juicer, media pads, clothing, a glass window, money towards a laptop, plus tennis shoes for all. It was a heartfelt wonderful day! Thank to all our supporters and all involved for your time, gifts, love, and money. Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Christmas Morning Shoe Giveaway

Another successful Christmas morning at the dump  with the help from the Salvation Army. With your donation we were pleased to hand out 300 pairs of shoes. Lots of happy families with their children receiving shoes, toys and food supplies donated by various organizations. To learn more about Cheryl’s Shoebox and donation opportunities click here.     Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Thank You Scott and Hacienda Escondida!

Thank you Scott Butler for your continued support and donation this Christmas season.  Your donation helps to put smiles on these beautiful childrens faces.  Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Christmas Kings Day in Quimixto

Celebrating the 5th year, Cheryl’s Shoebox participated in Christmas at Quimixto organized by MARY McCANN. Over the years the support that Marcy has given has evolved into Scholarship Programs as well as education and health support. Thank you Marcy for  your contribution to this community. Children were served lunch and ice cream and received gifts from Santa. The children were able to pick out shoes and clothing. Cheryl’s Shoebox was able to donate 120 pairs of shoes. Thank you MARCUS VAN GROENINGEN and the clientele of REINAS BAR.     Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Thank you Cindy

Thank you Cindy and Burt for your generous donation once again. Your yearly contribution has helped us to be able to donate many pairs of shoes to the community this Christmas season. Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Thank You Aha!

A huge thank you to the wonderful team at Aha! for your generous donation to Cheryl’s Shoebox.  Aha! reached out to Cheryl’s Shoebox after our summer work of providing beds and linen for the families of children undergoing cancer treatment in Puerto Vallarta. The Aha! team donation was specifically made to help Cheryl’s Shoebox expand our assistance  to more families under going these difficult treatments. With the help of Aha! and the continued support our community we are happy to extend our commitment to this cause.  Thank You Aha! for your generosity and making a difference. http://www.aha.io/ Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Hurricane Willa

Congratulations for the great work by the team at San Javier Hospital collecting and delivering items for victims of hurricane willa that brought major flooding and destruction to our neighbours in Nayarit. Cheryl’s shoebox was only one of hundreds of individuals and organizations that donated as the news spread of the damage.  We were able to send 300 pairs of shoes to our friends down south.   Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Cheryl’s Shoebox Summer Bash fundraising total inches close to 100,000 pesos

Over the last week we have been receiving a few more online donations for our Summer Bash. A huge thank you to Larry English, CBH, Don Wildfong and Tim Douglas for your donations. With the most recent donations our grand total for the summer bash is just shy of 100,000 pesos. Thank you to all our friends and community that stretches world wide for the support you give both Cheryl’s Shoebox and the Puerto Vallarta community. Attached is one of the letters we received from a recent donation of bedding to accompany beds that were donated for a family going through cancer treatments here in town. With your donations we are able to much more than shoes and school supplies and love helping where were can. Gracias Amigos. Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Cheryl’s Shoebox – More Than Just Shoes

Cheryl’s Shoebox is much more than shoes! Over the last few years we have helped dozens of programs with educational supplies, basic need supplies, clothing and yes shoes. We were recently informed that several families with Atención a niños con Cancer, Canicas Center were in dire need of new beds. Cheryl’s Shoebox jumped to action. We were able to purchase one matrimonial bed and 2 twin beds including new sheets and pillows. Carolina, with SuperColchones in Plaza Caracol, was exceedingly helpful in assisting us with choosing good quality mattresses at a very reasonable price. Thank you to Pam Thompson-Webb and Aurora de la Torre, with the local rotary club, for helping us help others. Special thanks to our recent donors David and Jim , Ute Gatesman Nevara, Tim Douglas as well as Cathy and Dan McMenamin as well as Pam Thompson-Webb for advising us where the most dire needs in our community exists. Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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El Nogalito Community Center Project

Once again the wonderful community of Puerto Vallarta has come together to assist the children of Mexico. Cheryl’s Shoebox learned of an ongoing community project in El Nogalito in need of soccer shoes for an after school program that teaches English. Cheryl’s Shoebox was happy to contribute to the program with over 40 pairs soccer shoes that have recently collected through our drop off boxes.   A big thank you to Dean & Leslie Regehr for organizing,  collecting and delivering soccer shoes to the community center as well as several online donations we have received to purchase the remaining shoes. El Nogalito is a small town located five miles south of Puerto Vallarta about a mile off the main highway to Boca de Tomatlan. There are approximately 150 homes there, with one primary school. Most of the families there are economically challenged and being far from town, are somewhat isolated.   The Community Center Project strives to help those families and children by teaching English, organizing games, and encouraging activities at the Community Center. Their goal is to continue to improve the Community Center, bring awareness to the children and help improve their education and future opportunities.   The kindergarten had been abandoned for about five years and through the help of wonderful people we have gotten it back up and running, fixing the doors and painting and fixing screens and pulling weeds… Children attend english classes Monday through Wednesday and soccer practice on Thursdays. ~Leslie Hyland, Charity Director   The soccer team has organized its first game against Boca and Las Juntas in the upcoming weeks. For additional information and an opportunity to donate directly  visit http://elnogalitopuertovallarta.org/ and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CharityPuertoVallarta/ El Nogalito Community Center Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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El Colorado After School Program – January 2018

On January 16th Cheryl’s Shoebox and a team of enthusiastic volunteers headed out to the colonia of El Colorado. This is our 4th year working with this after school program in the El Colorado. This program ranges in 4 – 15 years of age and focuses on teaching english, proper manners and help with regular school work. The program has approximately 75 students. The students were polite and sweet as ever as we handed out the shoes after a special lunch and some singing / games. Special thank you to our volunteers this day (Virgil Salzman, Jim Lucas, and David S. Anderson) for your assistance and Marcus Van Groeningen and the clientele of Reinas Bar  for providing over 90% of the shoes this year. You will see the thank you notes from the students in the gallery below. We love working with El Colorado and look forward to many more years of teamwork and educating the future of Mexico. El Colorado - Photos - January 2018 Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Boca de Tomatlán – Basketballs and Education – January 2018

Cheryl’s Shoebox is happy to announce that we are working with a new educational program in Boca de Tomatlán. The after school English program combines education with sports and headed up by Cynthia Leigh. 24 Basketballs were purchased for use by the program as well as school supplies for the educational program.     Boca de Tomatlán - Photos Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Another Quimixto Christmas

For the 5th year in a row Cheryl’s Shoebox was able to participate in Christmas in Quimixto organized by Marcy McCann. Legend has it Marcy adopted the kids of Quimixto a small fishing village on the south shore of Banderas Bay 30 years ago and has been providing Christmas gifts yearly with the help of dozens of Elfin and many donors. This year all the tennis shoes given out were a small portion of the shoes donated from Marcus Van Groeningen and the clientele of Reinas Bar collected during the month of December. Over the years the support Marcy has given has evolved into Scholarship Programs as well as Education and Health support. Scholarships via the BECAS Organization (http://becasvallarta.com) are provided to the children of Quimixto so that they can continue their education into Secondary Schooling. Money and supplies are also donated to the mini medical center in Quimixto and to the new Medical/Dental Center in Boca de Tomatlan. This annual event is as fun for the volunteers as is it for the families and kids Quimixto. Quimixto 2018 - Photos Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Happy New Year from Cheryl’s Shoebox – 2017 Christmas Album

Happy New Year to all our friends and Family in Puerto Vallarta and around the world. Our final work in 2017 was Christmas Morning to help distribute over 300 pairs of shoes to children and families living in the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta. Over 2000 people came to this Christmas event with many organizations  distributing toys, soccer balls, clothing, food and more! A special thank you to Freda Thompson for her hard work on this yearly event.   As the new year renews all the happiness and good tidings, hope the joyful spirit keeps glowing in your heart forever! Happy New Year! -The team from Cheryl’s Shoebox   Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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Gracias Joanne

Thank you Joanne Edling-Rosales for your suitcase full of flip flops! It was a pleasure meeting you and hope you had a wonderful time in Puerto Vallarta..   Recommend on Facebook Tweet about...
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