The TV Azteca Jugueton Toy Drive.

Azteca America Los Angeles, Fundacion Azteca America and Fundacion Hermes Music have joined forces for the third annual Jugueton toy drive in Los Angeles. The event will take place on December 12 at South Gate Park beginning at 2 pm.

The event will be led by Jugueton founder and television personality Jorge Garralda as part of the 16th annual Jugueton, un regalo… una sonrisa, which collected and distributed over 15 million toys during the 2009-2010 Christmas/Three Kings’ Day celebrations in the Mexico, the US and Guatemala. Special guests include the triple Grammy nominated group Elefante and special talent from TV Azteca.

“We’re proud to bring the Jugueton to the United States for the third year,” said Jorge Garralda. “Our goal is to share the Mexican tradition of Three Kings’ Day and share the joy of giving with new generations.”

Greater McAllen, Texas will also join festivities on December 15 at City Hall in the township of Hidalgo. The event is organized by Ramón Ayala, Fundacion Hermes, Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America and gifts will be distributed starting at 4:00 pm. Special guests include Ramon Ayala, Lorenzo de Monteclaro and Jenni Rivera.

“Its brings us great satisfaction to be able to help low-income parents this Christmas season,” said Martin Breidsprecher, COO of Azteca America. “We’re proud to bring the tradition of the Jugueton from Mexico to the Latino community here in Los Angeles.”

Jugueton, un regalo… una sonrisa was launched in 1994 by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego, Chairman and founder of Grupo Salinas. In its 15th edition, 15,421,802 toys were collected and distributed.

“Building on our experience in Los Angeles, we’re now moving to include Texas and look forward to incorporating additional markets in coming years,” said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America.

Other non-profit organizations participating in the toy drive include: UDLA (Union de Discapacitados Latinoamericanos), Guadalupe Radio (Campana Nino Jesus), From Heart to Heart (De Corazon a Corazon Foundation), South Gate Police Department (Santa Cop Program) and Apostolic Worship Epicenter.

Hermes Music Foundation supports low-income, homeless and indigenous children, as well as other disadvantaged groups. This year it will donate 20,000 toys.