Bringing supplies?

karuna · #1 03-02-2004, 10:30 AM

Hi,
I am travelling to the north coast in March for a week's vacation. I'd like to bring some school supplies for an elementary school. Does anyone have advice about how to do this? Shoudl I check with the owner oif the villa where I am staying in Sosua? Can visitors to the DR "drop in" on schools if they are educators? Is this even a good thing to do? I was thinking about stuff like pencils, pens, markers, paper, glue sticks, stickers, things like that. Any info is helpful. Also, I have clothes in great shape from my daughter and a friend that I usually pass along to someone here but would love to donate somewhere. Tell me if this is patronizing, condescending, or welcome. Many thanks. Also, I have read that it is customary to bring a little gift for the person who cleans your room, in addition to a tip. If this is appropriate, does anyone have ideas about what is appreciated? Something practical or something more whimsical? Or simply US $?? Aslo, what is a good % for tipping? Drivers, cleaners, etc?
Thanks. Karuna.

Chirimoya · #2 03-02-2004, 10:51 AM

I think this is great. The items you mention will be welcomed.

My only question would be how one chooses which school to donate to? It's probably best not to turn up unannounced. Schools near to the tourist areas must get their share of donors, yet there are others in more remote areas which never get anything.

Perhaps you could contact the charitable organisations that get mentioned here, and ask them how they target their beneficiaries, and whether they ensure that the donations reach a wide range of schools in the area they work in and not just a select few.

Small gifts or a tip (in whichever currency) for the cleaner is customary. She might also be the best person to offer the clothes to. I usually give my cleaner used clothes, asking her if she knows of anyone who might be able to use them.

Chiri

marliejaneca · #3 03-02-2004, 10:56 AM

Karuna,
This topic has been discussed numerous times, if you look up any threads started by Scoobster or simply type in "school supplies" in the search area - you will find all your answers. There is a place that you can drop off supplies in Sosua - Ken has more information on this.
As far as tipping with merchandise, countless people do this, it is not considered condescending. As long as your daughters hand-me-downs aren't winter clothes, I am sure they would be appreciated!!!
In my travels, I always found that good quality makeup was a nice perk, or jewellry that I no longer wore was really appreciated. Guys always like sports memorabilia, T-shirts,hats etc. I always left a tip as well, but that is just me. Some people have suggested to leave a big tip the first day and the service will keep coming, others say since they have their tip already, they don't put their all into it so save it for the end of the trip, so I won't comment in the timing of tipping. I have never followed an exact rule for tipping, I have always paid more than the minimum for excellent service - in fact - my better half always jokes that we may have to take out a second mortgage just to cover my tipping habits! If the service is mediocre, I usually will comment on it giving the person a chance to shape up, if it doesn't happen - then the tip will be closer to the minimum which in my books is 15 -20% depending on what service you are tipping for.
Hope this helps a bit.
Marlie

Snowbird · #4 03-02-2004, 01:31 PM

Karuna,
If you look at the thread titled Fundacion Patria, you will see a couple of links for people you can contact for the distribution of school supplies. I am sure that Mario or Ramon can arrange for a school visit. When I was staying at Fun Royale/Tropicale, an onsite guide named Steady Eddie, made the arrangements to visit a school in Puerto Plata. This was a great experience.

As far as tips and gifts for staff, the previous replies covered this nicely. It is my thinking though that the staff would prefer dollars so that they can obtain what they really need. It has been my expeience that the Dominican people are so wonderful and appreciative, that they will graciously accept whatever you would like to share with them.

Enjoy your Dominican experience. It's a great country with great people.

Farmer · #5 03-02-2004, 03:42 PM

Karuna,
A couple years ago when we were about to check out of a local hotel, we attempted to tip our maid with leftover cosmetics, toiletries and some clothing. She was glad to accept them but had us fill out some paperwork to show they were gifts and not stolen so she could take them when she finished her shift. It might save you some time at checkout to ask ahead of time. Farmer

karuna · #6 03-02-2004, 03:58 PM

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice about supplies! Great feedback. I never intended to substitute supplies or clothing, etc for tips--I was thinking in addition to tips. So, I have places to contact for supplies, I can ask the cleaner about who can best use the used clothing, and I guess my only clarification is--it seems like it';s best to tip in US currency rather than Dominican money? Marie, I am totally with you-I geberally overtip in the US, too (probably my working class background and the fact that I, too, ahve worked as a waitron, cleaner, etc) and always try to treat supporting staff well. I ahve taught Dominican adults in Providence and fell in lvoe with the country; this is my thrid visit, but I havent been for many, many yearrs.
Thanks everyone. such thoughtful comments.
Karuna

Scoobster · #7 03-03-2004, 06:49 AM

There are many good orginizations that could use your kindness...all you have to do is choose one, and contact them.

I post with regards to the Dream Project, which you may check thier web page at...

www.dominicandream.org

or contact Tricia Suriel at www.tricia@dominicandream.org

...or check the "challenge" thread at Issuing A Challenge To All Visiting The Dr

Ken...one of the most informative posters on this message forum, posts with regards to the Sosua Children...which helps a school in that village.

Snowbird post with regards to Fundacion Patria.

I have no personal affiliation with any of the listed orginizations, and I post for the Dream Project only due to the fact I have met, and seen what they do (no disrespect to the others) and have followed up on it.

I am sure which ever you choose, will appreciate your donations, and make sure that they get to those who need it the most, the children.

With regards to tipping...we always tip with both peso and USD...my wife always packs extra make up and good clothing that she does not use, and she personally makes sure to give it to the maid that looks after our room. I know that the past trip, it was greatly appreciated.

Good luck, and have a safe and wonderful trip!

It feels great to donate!

Cheers
Jimmy