Anyone donated to "Pack for a Purpose"?

[scubamomma]

We are taking a Disney cruise in October that stops in Jamaica. I have been looking at "Pack for a Purpose" and their program with Sandals resorts. You can take a backpack of school supplies and just drop it off at the front desk. But I'm looking for anyone who has then gone to one of the schools and volunteered with the kids. We are trying to teach our DDs 10 and 6 about gratitude and appreciation and I think this would be a great experience. Is it appropriate for kids that young? Is it a safe area?

I emailed DCL and they don't have any info or a similar program.

 

[wcw57]

I, being the cynic that i am, am wary of that kind of donation thing. I personally know too many people who abuse food pantries, etc. Heck,before I donate anywhere, I look at how "top heavy" the organization is.........nothing worse than people who ask for donations and make a good living at it. Reasonable is nice, abusive is bad, ...mmmmmmkay?

 

[ASchwa]

We are taking a Disney cruise in October that stops in Jamaica. I have been looking at "Pack for a Purpose" and their program with Sandals resorts. You can take a backpack of school supplies and just drop it off at the front desk. But I'm looking for anyone who has then gone to one of the schools and volunteered with the kids. We are trying to teach our DDs 10 and 6 about gratitude and appreciation and I think this would be a great experience. Is it appropriate for kids that young? Is it a safe area?

I emailed DCL and they don't have any info or a similar program.

I know a bit about the education system in Jamaica, I have met a few people who worked in the school system. The thing is, I have never seen a school house. Jamaica in the tourist areas are safe, but out of them can be risky. If you go to Jamaica on a weekday you will see the kids walking to school in their uniforms, some come from what is called the country, the interior of Jamaica that is not on the coast. Very poor area that didn't have telephones until the 1990s. I applaud you in trying to teach your daughters about charity, and I would have them do something. I can ask someone about visiting a school, the person worked in the education ministry years ago, if it would be appropriate. I won't be seeing this person until after Christmas.

 

[MunFam]

I, being the cynic that i am, am wary of that kind of donation thing. I personally know too many people who abuse food pantries, etc. Heck,before I donate anywhere, I look at how "top heavy" the organization is.........nothing worse than people who ask for donations and make a good living at it. Reasonable is nice, abusive is bad, ...mmmmmmkay?

Are you saying the employees of the organization are greedy or the actual recipients of the donations or both? I definitely know that organizations here in the States pay some of their CEOs ridiculous salaries and fewer than 20% of the money collected is actually given to research/needy. I do not give to those charities. I do not know about Pack for a Purpose, but I am sure their financials are available online.

Are you simply warning the OP to do his/her homework prior to making a donation or do you know more inside information that you are eluding to but did not share? I feel like giving goods (in situations like this) is better than giving money because they give it out. The management can't spend it.

I also applaud the OP for wanting to spend time focusing on giving back while on vacation. Vacations are a very privileged thing, so it is cool that he/she wants to keep his/her family grounded and stop for a minute from the self-centric vacation lifestyle and think about those with less in the cities they are visiting. Very awesome!

 

[scubamomma]

Good idea to look up the ratings for Pack for a Purpose. It looks like it is based out of North Carolina but I can't find a rating on the few websites I checked for non-profits. If anyone finds something let me know.

I don't have a fear about corruption when I donate supplies so I'm not worried about that. Sandals Resorts and The Sandals Foundation then will take you on a short mission trip to play with the kids for a few hours. I have e-mailed them to see what about their requirements. We may just drop off the supplies but at least that will teach my kids how fortunate they are.

 

[Toddymae]

OP you may already know this information but for the other Dis members:
I believe the drop off point in Jamaica is the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites. You may want to call them directly for more information.
Pack for a Purpose is a North Carolina charity and is a 501c3 registered charity in the USA. The project that the OP speaks of is The Alpha Boy's School/Home. This program was founded in 1890 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. The children are ages 8-18. I know school supplies are welcomed but also art supplies, sport supplies, first aid, clothing and health/personal grooming are also welcome. Know that candy and balloons are not accepted.

We always look for volunteer opportunities when we travel. It's great that your giving your children the same opportunity. My grandson (7yo) and I just did a school supply project for Lutheran World Relief. It's great to teach children how to help other children.

 

[ASchwa]

I asked the question about schools in Jamaica to my friend. She said that if you wanted to see a school that to do it would be a school near Falmouth. Also she said to contact the Ministry of Education and that to be safe you get in contact with either the Principal of the school or Guidance counselor. They would meet you either at the dock or you would take a taxi to the school. She mentioned that Falmouth is a poor area and it will be a risk since you will not be in the tourist areas. She said that she will contact her sister and will let me know if the Ministry will allow a visit and who to contact.