School visits

[TandJ]

We're bringing a big duffel bag full of stuff donated by our group:
backpacks full of supplies, as well as loose items, pens, papers, flash cards, games, stickers, jump ropes, soccer balls (uninflated - but with pumps), crayons and some stationary for the teachers.

[GWonSTRIPE]

We set it up through our hotel White Sands as they have a sister school they support. We hired a driver as it was a good 45 minutes away and did a few other things to make a day of it. There are other schools closer which I'm sure would be glad to see you with the supplies you have. Sounds like you have a good supply of things. Candy is also a nice treat to hand out to all the kids as well. gailnegril sounds like she may be able to help you.

[Aaron Mindy]

My wife and i have a piece of luggage filled with lots and lots of school supplies to take. Unfortunately we will be there when schools may be on Easter Break! We are in Negril 23-29th. Can anyone help?? We can leave them but prefer to take them ourselves. Anyone know the Easter school schedule? I am going to try and call the schools and some drivers.

Tried Gail. She mentioned Mt Airy was likely off for break. Didnt mention any others.

[M&G Montreal]

I would suggest you take what you can; you may be amazed. We sent a soccer ball (with a pump) and the school was thrilled that they now had a soccer ball! Deflate it, get a pump and pins at a buck store and you have made the days of a bunch of kids!). Big skipping ropes will keep the kids hopping too, weigh little take little room. (Walmart here has some you can get for a $1 for the short ones and $2 for the long ones right now ....) For supplies, be basic (a box of crayola crayons costs an incredible amount of money there - I heard more than USD 10.00 - so anything like that you take, give it to the principal or a trusted teacher and they will find a discreet home for it. Pencils, erasers, crayons, rulers; calculators (solar powered - batteries are very dear on the island). Teaching aids too - as simple as chalk! There is an organization that is linked to several hotels and I can't remember for the life of me the name of it. White Sands is part of it and several others. They each have a different school, and post a list of current needs. Somebody on this board knows the name of that organization - maybe White Sands can help you. Any of the involved hotels will take your donations, even if you aren't staying there. A Smile for a Child? No, that isn't it. But something like that. As well, again, St. Anthony's outfits aver 35 kids for school - shoes, sox, underwear, back packs, paper, pencils - nothing is too small. They would be happy to distribute your stuff. I know you will find somewhere.

[M&G Montreal]

And bless your heart for doing this! It makes me so happy to see us tourists giving back to the island that has given us so much joy!