Supplies for JA kids/schools

My big NY crew is headed down again over the holidays and We are looking to bring a bunch of stuff down. My hope is that I can take my boys (11 and 14yo) into the countryside to bring the stuff to a school or village and hang for a while to interact. The schools are all on break so we are looking for an organization to work through to arrange. I've been attempting to contact NEET but it's been challenging to say the least. The other issue is I know pads are one of the most needed items down there however they are also heavy. . ..wonder if there are any charity orgs that can help out w transport as well. Any suggestions appreciated.

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Originally Posted by bambinobu

... The other issue is I know pads are one of the most needed items down there however they are also heavy. . .....

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i got a quickie question:::>> what kind of '..pads..' are you referring to..??..

i'm not *understanding*

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Originally Posted by bambinobu

;;;;We are looking to bring a bunch of stuff down.

. . ..wonder if there are any charity orgs that can help out w transport as well. .

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1.... i *suggest* NOT bringing ANYthing down..!!!...

everything needed IS already there, in abundance, on the island [[ period ]]

instead, give cash to an organization, and let them make the purchase(s) of *stuff* there on-island. Easy-er for them, and easier for you-all.

2.... Whereas NEET hasn't responded to your queries, i suggest that you move-on [[ period ]]

try contacting the Negril chapter of the Rotary Club.

give the cash to them.

3.... another time-saving, option:::>> on your way to Negril, if it's a work-day, during business hours, STOP in Lucea ---- go to CityHall, in the building @ the center of town ---- building with the big clock tower ---- go inside .... tell the security guard, that you want to give the Mayor (or her representative) some cash for school(s) blah blah blah.

drop off the cash
get your receipt
and move-on, and enjoy your vacation(s).

4.... another option:::>> when you pass thru Lucea --- stop, and ask some-somebody(s):::>> "...where is the ParishCouncil office..??.." .... go to the office, and give the cash to them.

The soup kitchen (St. Anthony's) would be a good connection.

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Originally Posted by Lola

The soup kitchen (St. Anthony's) would be a good connection.

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I'll second that! Father and crew are trustworthy to leave cash with knowing it's going to a good cause or if you really want to bring stuff just ask what they need.

If your heart is set on gifting in rural areas find a source to reach far far away from the influx of tourist gifting dollars. Some...correction...most of the out of tourist area schools and communities are in need of supplies...simple supplies. In the past I've had good luck with crayons, colored pencils, scissors ****not the sharp ass ones--the rounded point ones don't get an angry look from school admin***, multi packs of pencil sharpeners, soccer balls from cheap stores like 5 and Below, tooth brushes (ask your dentist they will often gift them), condoms (free at some places like Planned Parenthood), coloring books that teach a lesson---I guess educational coloring books would be the term.

Another thought...ask Father Jim or Debbie Lighthouse (think that's her name) about sponsoring a kid so they have the means to leave their home and attend school so the gifts that others bring will reach them in school unlike the 0% odds they will reach them when they are stuck at home for some stupid reason like they don't have a school uniform or taxi money to make it to school. Really all that takes is money for 2-3 school uniforms, some simple supplies and route taxi money.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you make out.

Fr. Jim, St. Anthony's Kitchen and Debbie Lightheart have been mentioned several times. I'm Fr. Jim. Through our Church here in Negril we run St. Anthony's Kitchen--feeding about 150 people lunch each day (Mon thru Fri) and we serve about 50 breakfasts to children each day on their way to school. We also assist mom's in sponsoring 42 children to go to school and this includes running a bus load of kids to a school to far to walk (Mt. Airy). Let me suggest a couple things. As Smith744 said...cash is always good. Even so, if you want to carry school things with you carry them. If working with a rural school is important the local Rotary has some good connections. Or I can put you in touch with the school where we bus the children (Mt. Airy) or the All Age in Revival. All the kids will be out of school for Christmas break by December 13 so going to a school and giving things to kids is probably not going to work. We can put you in touch with a principal if you wish. Or we can accept anything you have to offer and distribute it. Whatever you do, please don't stop in Lucea to see the mayor or some parish council official to give them the money. Not a good idea! If you want more info from us just let us know! --Fadder Jim

I buy things from the Hi-Lo to give out but I also get stuff from the U.S. that's they would never get in Negril,like small toys for the kids.....I would imagine most Negril families don't have excess money for toys...