To Tecate, México
		Awards
		GEORGE WASHINGTON HONOR MEDAL

 The Nation’s highest civilian honor for those whose projects, words or deeds reflect the best of the American spirit of volunteerism by offering constructive solutions to contemporary problems, to the

Christmas/Tres Reyes Train Program
of the International Border Rail Institute

Soroptimist International of Mission Bay nominated this program of the International Border Rail Institute for consideration for this year’s Freedoms Foundation awards. The Christmas Train, known in México as El Tren de Los Tres Reyes, has for eight years brought gifts and the three wise men to distribute them to the children of Tecate, Baja California. In recent years, that has meant over 6,000 eager kids arriving at the railroad tracks long before train time. For many of these children this celebration of the holiday season brings the only toys and school supplies they will receive.

The year-long volunteer effort begins soon after the prior year’s event is concluded in early January. Gathering of gift donations, storing, fund-raising, bagging and packaging is conducted by over 300 volunteers. Throughout the year as preparations proceed, other, small events and activities to benefit children are staged at Baja orphanages and remote villages. The year culminates with decoration of the train and boarding of entertainers, the 3 Kings, and in 2005 for the first time, their special guest Santa Claus, for departure to Tecate. Meanwhile, in Tecate, volunteers and staff of the City and especially D.I.F. (the family services agency) have made ready the welcome and prepared the stadium for safe and orderly distribution of the gift bags.

Margaret Coval, chairperson of the event since its inception in 1998, received notice on August 9^th 2006 that the Christmas Train Program has been chosen to receive the distinctive recognition embodied in the George Washington Honor Medal. The notification letter cites the Christmas Train Program as having:

. . . exemplified the essence of the National Awards by promoting an understanding and appreciation for our country’s rich heritage and unique freedoms.

Since 1949 Freedoms Foundation’s National Awards Program has honored exceptional work. Through a selection process based on quality and content, recipients are chosen to become part of a historically prestigious group of American citizens that advance the American ideal.

The Christmas Train / El Tren de Los Tres Reyes Program and the International Border Rail Institute wish to acknowledge and share this honor with the many volunteers and sponsors who have participated over the past nine years. . . caring individuals that include peace officers on both sides of the border, the Mayors, City Councilmen, and D.I.F. staff of the Municipality of Tecate, Baja California. All this was done in the interest of our unique region and for the youth, over 50,000 to date, of Tecate, México.