Small gifts for local dr children

sunsoaked

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Oct 11, 2008
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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

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Mar 30, 2008
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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
 
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La Profe_1

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Oct 15, 2003
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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

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Jan 16, 2008
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Children's gifts

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

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Oct 11, 2008
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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

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Feb 9, 2008
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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

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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

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May 5, 2004
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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

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Dec 14, 2008
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Just like balloons

___ 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

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Jul 21, 2009
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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]
 

kaliek

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Aug 31, 2004
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same thing I am coming back for my second visit and would like to contribute as well any suggestions for the santo domingo area??
 

bigbird

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May 1, 2005
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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

same thing I am coming back for my second visit and would like to contribute as well any suggestions for the santo domingo area??

There is an orphanage, Villa Bendicion, located on the Malecon just west of Jaragua Hotel/Casino and across the street from Adrian Tropical Restaurant. They are always grateful to accept whatever you can donate.

You can read a report from a wonderful person who spent time volunteering at the orphanage.

Click this link:
http://www.dr1.com/forums/trip-reports/72748-volunteering-my-1st-trip-sd.html
 

ARealWoman

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Jul 21, 2009
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thank you so much big bird you are so knowledgable. I have e-mailed her to see what these kids need notebooks, pencils food etc. I hope she still logs on or maybe you can give me some insight on what these kids might need.

Thank you so much
;)
 

bigbird

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May 1, 2005
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thank you so much big bird you are so knowledgable. I have e-mailed her to see what these kids need notebooks, pencils food etc. I hope she still logs on or maybe you can give me some insight on what these kids might need.

Thank you so much
;)

If you speak Spanish you can contact them directly or possibly have someone make the call for you.

Hogar Villa Bendici?n
Av. George Washington #407, Gazcue,
Santo Domingo. Rep?blica Dominicana.
Tel : 809-221-2323 y 809-221-3241

Sorry but their website is currently under construction.
http://villabendicion.org/
 

jrzyguy

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May 5, 2004
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One thing that I have done is contact publishing companies (for childrens books). My friend works at random house and they give me many childrens books (some in spanish some just picture books). I also like to bring some small toys. Books are great and all...but kids need to have fun too! Dont forget the toys!
 

ARealWoman

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Jul 21, 2009
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great ideas! Thank you all for all your help well while school supplies are on sale im going to go get some notebooks and crayons also maybe the would like some coloring books. ;)
 

kaliek

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Aug 31, 2004
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thanks for the Info I will stock up as well... do they give you any problems at customs?
 

ARealWoman

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Jul 21, 2009
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thanks all,

i am just scared i will not have enough and the kids will fight?!?!?!

i dont know i guess i will do what i can;)
 

POPNYChic

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Jul 27, 2009
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i would say the best suggestion in this thread is that of food. Buy them food. anything else may be pawned off or worthless to them. They have flea markets where they can get cheap, nearly new clothes.

If you find little boys shining shoes or selling stuff on the street, you will know they are the neediest and hardworking to boot.Those children are out hustling because they have no other means of sustenance. Ask to meet their families. Buy them a sack of rice and cooking oil if you must.

Toys are not as valuable to them as you'd think. When I was a child in POP we played and had fun all day and never had toys. Sticks, dirt, stones and leaves make better Toys than what you find at Toys'R'Us! Thats not something they need. You would be surprised at how creative they can be. Much more so than children with the lastest gadgets and trinkets.