This year in Philly, the joy of the holidays is being shared and celebrated by a few prominent Latino organizations in the city.

The nonprofits Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM), Concilio, and Taller Puertorriqueño are supporting important and notable plans in the coming weeks.

From some toy drives to a Three Kings Day celebration, here are how three Philly-based Latino nonprofits are celebrating the holidays this year.

Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) have been working on their yearly toy drive lately.

Each holiday season, APM distributes toys to kids within the nonprofit’s programs and within the communities of Philadelphia. 

APM’s toy drive is a longstanding tradition; one remembered fondly by early board members of the nonprofit as well as those on the team today. 

Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha President CEO Nilda Ruiz spoke a bit on the nonprofit’s annual tradition:

"Our Holiday Toy Drive is a beloved, yearly tradition at APM that started over 40 years ago. It celebrates the importance of family, community and supporting one another. After another tough year, there is no better way to spread holiday cheer to the children in our community and demonstrate that APM is here to support our families — throughout the holiday season and beyond,” said Ruiz.

This year, APM will be distributing 1,700 toys throughout the community. 

APM accepts donations, and throughout the year, raises funds to facilitate the purchasing of these toys. The toys are then distributed among the children and families who work with the nonprofit.

Volunteers from PECO recently assisted APM in organizing and sorting the toys. Throughout the week, APM will continue to focus on the distribution process.

The Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, or Concilio, will be hosting their Three Kings Day Celebration on Jan. 6, 2022.

The celebration will take place at Concilio’s Banquet Hall from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Concilio’s Banquet Hall is located at 141 E Hunting Park Ave.

Concilio provides culturally relevant family support and child welfare services. 

Organized by Waleska Martinez and Adonis Banegas, the Three Kings Day Celebration will feature storytelling, gift exchange, snacks, and more.

Concilio’s 2022 Three Kings Day Celebration coincides with the nonprofit’s 60th anniversary. 

Concilio was originally founded in 1962. You can read more about the nonprofit’s rich history here.

To RSVP for the event, you may email Concilio at [email protected] or call them at 215-627-3100.

Taller Puertorriqueño has been organizing a toy drive this year, assisted through a partnership between the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Donated toys will be distributed at Taller’s own Three Kings Day Celebration, also held on Jan. 6, 2022. Children from infancy to age 18 will receive the donated gifts.

The toy drive is part of a larger partnership between the three organizations. The partnership will persist throughout the 2022 season.

In addition to their own donations, The Kimmel Cultural Campus and the Philadelphia Orchestra are encouraging guests to attend holiday performances with gifts to donate to Taller’s drive.

Donation boxes will be set up around the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, Merriam Theater, and the Academy of Music from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4, 2022.

Below are some items being requested to donate for Taller Puertorriqueño’s holiday toy drive:

• Musical toys
• Art materials
• Sports items, excluding balls
• Educational and “fun” baby toys
• Headsets and Earbuds
• Giftcards (including Apple Music, Target, GameStop)
• Science games, including STEM toys
• Sensory-specific games

Taller Puertorriqueño has requested people do not donate toy guns. This could include mock firearms or airsoft rifles.