Mega Doctor News
For millions around the world, the Christmas season is considered “the most wonderful time of the year,” as proclaimed in the classic Christmas song by Andy Williams. The holiday’s festive atmosphere, which includes traditions like gift giving, spending time with loved ones and seasonal treats is associated with feelings of joy, family and generosity.
But the sentiment isn’t universal, with the holiday season adding an additional source of stress for some individuals and families.
In Texas, about 18% of the state’s child population lives in poverty, according to Texas Demographic Center. That’s about 1.4 million children. This rate is higher than the national average, with Hispanic and Black children disproportionately affected.
In the Rio Grande Valley, home to a large Hispanic population, about 68% of children live in high-poverty areas, according to RGV Health Connect, with those circumstances making it difficult for many to celebrate the holidays like their peers do.
“It’s a heartbreaking fact: Many families in the Rio Grande Valley simply can’t afford to celebrate Christmas. For them, the holiday season can be one of the most stressful times of year. For those families living paycheck to paycheck, Christmastime brings added financial burdens, with the cost of gifts and holiday meals putting additional strain on already tight budgets. It can lead many parents to feel guilty about not being able to provide the same holiday experiences that their children’s peers may have, while kids may experience stress and the feeling of being left out when they hear friends discussing gifts they received,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System (STHS). “That’s why it’s important to help ensure that no child goes without experiencing the joy of receiving gifts during the holiday season!”
So, to make it a memorable Christmas season for all children across South Texas, including those hospitalized over the holidays, STHS is once again partnering with Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association, the Texas DPS Troopers Foundation and Divine Pharmacy for the second annual Troopers, Toys & Teddy Bears Toy Donation Drive, a program benefitting 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 to this noble cause, STHS and Trooper Santa are encouraging residents across the four-county region to show their support.
“With the generous support of the community, we will be able to bring a lot of smiles to the faces of girls and boys throughout South Texas this holiday season,” says the toy drive’s leader, Trooper Santa. Trooper Santa is a former DPS trooper who completed his service to the State Highway Patrol and has since turned his attention to helping collect and distribute new and unwrapped toys to children living in low-income communities and those spending the holidays in hospital. “This is a great opportunity to open your hearts and your wallets to guarantee that every kid receives a gift this Christmas!”
| Now through Friday, December 21, 2025, toys valued at a $5 minimum can be dropped off in the donation boxes placed near the registration/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, 2025, you can help spread the joy and magic of Christmas to those less fortunate in South Texas this holiday season.
For additional details on the drive, please contact David Vazquez at 956-529-7210 or via email at dv4980611@gmail.com.
