Pack For a Purpose

[monk]

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?)

thanks irie, and to build on what you said, there are quite a few orgs that work stateside where you can bring or send donations of materials- for example there is a book bag drive going on right now- so if you want to take advantage of some of the leveraged pricing up here, in bulk, and not worry about weight restrictions and extra baggage fees and customs, then that is another route and one that doesn't necessarily need to be tied down to when you travel. Back to School time for example is really really really rough.

Another thing to consider is that many children fall through the cracks. Many kids only get one meal a day, and often that is the meal they get at school. Some will even try and bring some home with them to share. So it may be that rather than drop off a box of notebooks, the school may need food, or it may need scholarships to cover travel costs for kids who are sometimes kept home.

[FATRAT]

I want to thank all that have helped with my inquiry. We are buying some stuff here and some down there. I am also checking with some local organizations about donating. As I said we will assess the situation upon arrival and do what we can.

Come Soon Back

Fatrat

[monk]

I want to thank all that have helped with my inquiry. We are buying some stuff here and some down there. I am also checking with some local organizations about donating. As I said we will assess the situation upon arrival and do what we can.

Come Soon Back

Fatrat

great to hear.