As the weather gets colder and winter is upon us, thoughts go to taking a vacation to somewhere warm. Are you planning or have you already booked a trip on an African safari, a Mexican resort or to a Caribbean island?
Did you know that when you take such a trip, there is a simple way to help those in your destination? Pack for a Purpose was started in 2010 by Rebecca Rothney. It is a global initiative that encourages travelers to make a meaningful contribution to the communities they visit by dedicating a small space in their luggage to essential supplies.
A few years ago, I took a trip to Turks & Caicos with two other couples. I had heard about Pack for a Purpose and suggested to the other two couples to fill the empty space they typically leave in their suitcases for souvenirs/sweatshirts/grandchildren gifts with school supplies that were much needed in that island.
Since everything that is ordered or used on an island must be brought in by plane or ship, the costs add up making essential items like pens, paper, crayons and calculators much more expensive. When we arrived in Turks & Caicos, we simply left the bag with all of our donated school supplies at the front desk of our resort and the charity picked it up and delivered it to the needed local schools. Easy, simple and very impactful to islanders in need!
Last year Pack for a Purpose travelers packed 8,400 suitcases with 21 tons (42,000 lbs.) of essential supplies. Visit packforapurpose.org to search or select your destination. Find an accommodation or tour company and the project it supplies. Choose the supplies you wish to bring from the list of items requested. Drop off the donations upon your arrival. Check out the FAQ on the website so you only bring what is most needed.
There are more than 50 countries participating in Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia and our neighbor, Mexico. Also, please spread the word to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers when you hear them discussing upcoming vacations to some of these destinations.
1 John 3:18 “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
