See Driftwood article:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/saltspringislanddriftwood/community/116321764.html
I have taken on the task of letting everyone know about the gifts we are requested to bring to Guatemala for the programs we will be working with. They count on us to bring these things but it is an option not a requisite.
We will each be able to take two checked bags on our trip of 50 lbs each. I am hoping we can all fit our own personal belongings into one bag and use the other for gifts. I suggest wheeled luggage since we will have to carry our bags from plane to plane. They suggest we use a duffle bag for the gifts.
Please begin to collect these items now. I am letting you know ahead of the meeting so you'll have time to look for things and shop. Feel free to ask your friends, neighbours, and co-workers to help. I hope we will be able to get together for a packing session to share the goods among us before we leave so each person will have the amount they are able to carry.
Gifts for Guatemala
Here are some things we would like to take to Guatemala to bless the Pokemchi people. The school supplies will be distributed to teachers who often have to buy basic supplies out of their already meager salaries. The dental supplies and vitamins will be given to the people who run an educational program for the women in the villages, including a dental hygiene program. The workers will distribute these to the women as an incentive to attend and as a small way of helping with their health.
The program requires 150 stickers a month for attendance.
Health Care Supplies Including:
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Pens
- Notebooks
- Construction paper,
- Glue
- Crayons
- Felt tips
- Toys & Other Gifts for rewards of merit - Items such as tiny stuffed animals, small musical instruments, hair clips, toy jewelry.
- Soccer balls – they suggest three
Do not send
- Books in English
- Soccer cleats
- Items that can scare or harm a child – War-related toys, knives, and toy guns, etc.
We will also be able to bring things like bubble stuff, play dough, skipping ropes etc. to keep with us and let the children play with while we are there. We are to keep these things and not give them away. But I’m sure we can leave any leftovers at the base after we leave.
