Pack For a Purpose

[irieworld]

Fatrat-- it is great you are incorporating giving into your trip. Many people do it, and I know many on this board do--as I have read many posts about various donations and fundraising, everything from building playgrounds, donating soccer balls, shoes for children, visiting schools with supplies, donating to meal programs, building schools one cement block at a time, refurbishing libraries and much much more.

Monk's comment made sense, most school supplies can be bought in Jamaica and don't need to be carried over, and buying them there contributes to the local economy. Monk has been involved in a large scale of giving to Jamaica's schools in his own right. But sometimes it is easier to buy at home and bring, especially if you are going straight from the airport to the resort and not planning other trips outside of that. Any way a person can give is a good way.

Gail from Treehouse (who posted here on your thread) has facilitated many donations, as has Jean Gaynair from Negril Beach Club Condos and I am sure many other resorts, drivers, etc. have helped in this way. People who donate sometimes go to the locations themselves, or hand over gifts to be delivered.

Travelers Resort has a sign a brick program where you can donate and sign cement blocks used to build schools. Individuals have done fundraising events while in Negril that give to schools and various programs. I have sent shoes via other travelers for kids. Often just getting to school is an issue for children who have to walk distances or take route taxis when their parent/s have very little and shoes and school uniforms are key, as are meals. So it does help to do a little research and see where and what the greatest needs are and give there.

Anything that you bring will be put to good use and much appreciated. I just wanted to post as I have been involved in giving and seen a lot of giving over my many trips to JA. One of the possible reasons your thread has not gotten a large response may have been the title, as 'pack for a purpose' might be unfamiliar to others as it was to me. If you had put something like "giving to schools in Negril" or "school gifts and Customs" you may have gotten more response, as I know many have given to schools. Have a great first visit and enjoy the school experience (does Sandals take you to the schools?)