Small gifts for local dr children

sunsoaked · #1 10-12-2008, 10:30 AM

My husband and I will be at a resort in Puerto Plata from the 17th-24th and were told that it is nice to bring along candy and pencils, notebooks, etc. for the children. Is this true? We would be happy to do this but want to make sure that we bring the right things and that it really is something that the people of this country want -- we do not want to impose on them. This is our third vacation in the DR and we really enjoy the people here but want to be careful about how we treat them and that they are shown complete respect. I'd appreciate others thoughts and input.
Sunsoaked

Reidy620 · #2 10-12-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsoaked

My husband and I will be at a resort in Puerto Plata from the 17th-24th and were told that it is nice to bring along candy and pencils, notebooks, etc. for the children. Is this true? We would be happy to do this but want to make sure that we bring the right things and that it really is something that the people of this country want -- we do not want to impose on them. This is our third vacation in the DR and we really enjoy the people here but want to be careful about how we treat them and that they are shown complete respect. I'd appreciate others thoughts and input.
Sunsoaked

This is something that we do every time we visit the DR. However, we wouldn't recommend sweets. We always bring writing materials which are always in short supply, nearly new clothes that our kids (and our friends kids) have outgrown without ever wearing them (shorts/trainers/Tshirts) and toothbrushes & toothpaste to name but a few.

You might want to PM DR1'ers that are based in PP and (from what I've read) would be more that happy to help you distribute any gifts you decide to bring. If, by your generosity, you can make even a little change to somebody's life then it is well worth paying the excess luggage charge.

In 2007 we brought over 2 dozen solar calculators which we managed to get cheap from EBay & they we really well received.

Obviously IMHO.

Regards

Reidy

La Profe_1 · #3 10-12-2008, 11:20 AM

I agree with Reidy. School supplies, nearly new clothing etc are wonderful. As much as the children would love the candy, if they are from a poor family - and that is who I assume would be the recipients - it is a bad idea. Parents at times can barely afford food and schooling, let alone dental care.

Grandma Jen · #4 10-12-2008, 06:05 PM

Hi Sunsoaked

I volunteer in a local school and agree with other posters. Children who do get to go to school have to buy all their books and pencils.

Please give your gift directly to the children - there have been cases of stationary being given to teachers then they sell them to the children. Please do not give candy or sweets as they have a great deal of sugar already in their diet.

If you would like more information, please PM me, I will be glad to help

Have a wonderful time here in the DR - it really is paradise!

sunsoaked · #5 10-14-2008, 10:35 AM

Thanks so much for the input. We will put together some items before we leave on Friday. I'm new to this forum, Grandma Jen, and am not sure how to pm you but would like further info as to how we would actually get the supplies into the right hands.
Thanks!

mamielizabeth · #6 10-14-2008, 11:03 AM

Hi everyone, I have come across an organization that i think is interesting. In Cabarete there is an organization called The Dream Project ,they run school ,summer camp programs ,they have built a library ,thru amazon books on line you can order books that are sent directly to the library ,there is a book list to choose from to ensure the books are approiate for the readers and to eliminate duplicates) It may be a nice alternative to taking school supplies as they get heavy / with suitcase weight restrictions these days...just a thought.

FireGuy · #7 10-14-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamielizabeth

Hi everyone, I have come across an organization that i think is interesting. In Cabarete there is an organization called The Dream Project ,they run school ,summer camp programs ,they have built a library ,thru amazon books on line you can order books that are sent directly to the library ,there is a book list to choose from to ensure the books are approiate for the readers and to eliminate duplicates) It may be a nice alternative to taking school supplies as they get heavy / with suitcase weight restrictions these days...just a thought.

Their website is

www.dominicandream.org

Gregg

jrzyguy · #8 04-20-2009, 08:40 AM

I dont mean to sound cynical here. While agree that candy is probably not the best idea (although it is generaly appreciated)...i dont see how giving school supplies to a kid on the street does much good either as the child most likely is not IN school. Just a thought

I think clothing would probably be a better idea

donP · #9 04-20-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsoaked

___ were told that it is nice to bring along candy and pencils, notebooks, etc. for the children.

Those things can be bought locally, probably even cheaper.
Many people buy clothing from the 'guaguas' (bajate boutiques) in good quality and very reasonable prices, no need to bring them wasting jet fuel.
I prefer to take benefactors to some very poor barrio people and buy a bag of rice, milk powder, salami, whatever at a local 'colmado'.
Thus the visitors meet the families and get some insight into the living conditions and the real needs.

ARealWoman · #10 08-07-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsoaked

My husband and I will be at a resort in Puerto Plata from the 17th-24th and were told that it is nice to bring along candy and pencils, notebooks, etc. for the children. Is this true? We would be happy to do this but want to make sure that we bring the right things and that it really is something that the people of this country want -- we do not want to impose on them. This is our third vacation in the DR and we really enjoy the people here but want to be careful about how we treat them and that they are shown complete respect. I'd appreciate others thoughts and input.
Sunsoaked

I am traveling to santo domingo soon can anyone tell me how I can give something to a needy child or family I am willing to get school suppiles or a bag of rice etc as described in the post. How will I know where to go or who is needy? Any suggestions would be nice[/B]