As we enter the holiday season, we are reminded of all that we have to be grateful for. For those of us that are able to, the spirit of this time of year encourages us to give back to those that work – often without much praise or notice – to make our world a better place for everyone and everything. This season of giving, give back to Rincon and to Puerto Rico to help keep the island a wonderful place for years to come. Check out some of our favorite charities and nonprofits in Rincon and the surrounding areas.
Surfrider Foundation Rincon (Fundación Surfrider Rincón)
The Surfrider Foundation is a national 501c3 nonprofit environmental organization, with an independent chapter in Rincon. The organization began in 2001 with the creation of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, which protects and maintains populations of many endangered animals, including the Elkhorn Coral. In fact, Maria’s Beach is part of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, so the beautiful, clear and biodiverse ocean outside of Maria’s Luxury Villa is due in part to the efforts of the Surfrider Foundation. In addition to maintenance and protection of Tres Palmas, the Surfrider Foundation conducts weekly water testing, holds beach cleanups, plants and replaces damaged trees, holds recycling and waste management programs and conducts other community programs to maintain Rincon’s beaches for generations to come.
You can donate to the Surfrider Foundation Rincon by clicking here, or by visiting their website at rincon.surfrider.org/donate/.
Defensa Animal de Puerto Rico
Defensa Animal de Puerto Rico is an animal rescue and welfare organization that works to improve the lives of domestic animals through the island of Puerto Rico, but is based out of Rincon. Defensa Animal de Puerto Rico is a nonprofit US Federal 501c3 organization that was founded in 2013, and has worked to help cats, dogs and horses in need. Defensa Animal de Puerto Rico helps provide veterinary services and adoption support to dogs and cats, and offers veterinary services and safe shelters to horses at the request of law enforcement. Each year, Defensa Animal de Puerto Rico assists approximately 250 animals.
You can find multiple ways to donate to Defensa Animal de Puerto Rico at defensaanimaldepuertorico.org/donate/. If you are interested in adopting one of the animals rescued by Defensa Animal de Puerto Rico, please visit defensaanimaldepuertorico.org/adopt/.
Fundacion Bucarabon
Fundacion Bucarabon is a community initiative based a few miles inland from Rincon and Mayaguez, in the agricultural municipality of Maricao. The community initiative works to support farmers in the area (which primarily grow crops such as coffee), and to empower and include women in labor, social and economic sectors. Fundacion Bucarabon also provides education and training services to the community.
You can donate to Fundacion Bucarabon by visiting www.fundacionbucarabon.org/donar, or by visiting their shop at www.fundacionbucarabon.org/shop.
You will love coming to Rincon, why not give support to the hardworking organizations that strive to make Rincon a place that can be enjoyed and treasured for years to come? When you’re ready to visit Rincon, book your stay with Maria’s. When you’re ready to stay with us, booking is done through Twin Palms, Maria’s rental, and onsite management. Please visit our booking page on this website to view the availability of Maria’s and fill out our convenient contact form. If you have any additional questions regarding Maria’s, you may call Elizabeth at 787-685-6648 (español: Cristina at 787-449-3673).
My husband and I had our wedding and reception at Maria’s. We rented the property for three days/nights. We wanted to make our destination wedding as accessible as possible for our family and friends. Maria’s was the perfect place. Twelve of our closest friends and family shared the house. I was so impressed that Maria’s had everything we needed, even little things like laundry detergent.