We know it can be hard to travel these days with all of the concerns and restrictions, but let’s try not to forget to help where and when we can.
Did you know you can make a big impact on the lives of children around the world if you Pack for a Purpose?
How did we not know about this organization?
It’s such a simple way for us to use available space in our luggage to provide supplies to communities we visit – and we just had to share our good luck in finding out about it!
Here’s the scoop:
By just making room for 5 pounds, you can bring:
– 400 pencils or
– 5 deflated soccer balls with an inflation device or
– A stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff and 500 band-aids
It’s easy! Go to the Pack for a Purpose website and find your destination. They’ll let you know what supplies are needed in that area and how they will benefit the community you are visiting.
It adds up! Since their inception in December 2009, the global travel community has donated more than
30,000 pounds of needed supplies to schools, clinics and orphanages worldwide.
How did we find out about this wonderful charity?
When we went to Costa Rica we stayed at the amazing Parador Resort & Spa.
We already knew that, as an eco-resort, they pride themselves on their commitment towards sustainable tourism, community outreach and education.
Then we saw this:
“We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.”
Click here to see our heartwarming visit to the school we packed for!
Now, happily, we can say:
David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com
YOUR TURN: Did you know about Pack for a Purpose? Would you consider making room in your suitcase on your next vacation? Isn’t this a great idea?
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!
Great article. It is very useful and informative. Thanks a lot for sharing this post.
Love that I caught this post via Twitter. What a great program, thanks for sharing. I’ll be passing the message along.
Thanks Daidri, it’s a great program.
Thanks for sharing. I love hearing about things like this. I’ll definitely check this out when we go to the Philippines later this year.
Glad we could spread the word. It is a great program.
Thanks for sharing! What an incredible act to do! Love your site and your conscious traveling!
Best,
Kelsey
Thanks Kelsey!
What an awesome way to help out and give back to local communities when you travel! I just bookmarked this website so I can participate when we travel to these destinations.
Great, thanks Jennifer!
What a wonderful idea for the next time I get to travel! I love it when something small can make a big difference.
It’s so easy, and such a good idea.
What an amazing organization! I’m glad you found it and shared it with us. 🙂 Thanks!
We’re glad we found it too! Thanks to the Parador Resort in Costa Rica for showing it to us.
Great post – when we travel to poorer nations we often bring pencils and coloured crayons. The kids always love it.
Frank (bbqboy)
It’s a great idea, thanks Frank!
We are just beginners at this but so far have taken a small amount of school supplies to Guatemala, Thailand and Turkey. We are leaving in a few days for India and researching what to take now. I love this concept and appreciate that you are helping spread the word.
That’s amazing Joanne! It’s going to take us a while to catch up to you… and that’s a great thing. Have a great time in India!
This is a great idea! And one I’d never heard of either. I shared on Facebook so more people will know about it. This is also a great way to make sure that the things we send get to their destination. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Chloe, let’s spread the word!
Love this! Just checked out the packing wish list for Laos and picked a high school that is in need. We are headed there for our spring break. Thanks for sharing, Veronica and David!
YAY – that’s so great Lori! Have a great time in Laos!
Thanks for sharing about this organization. I know my trip to Roatan, Honduras would have been better had I known about Pack for a Purpose.
It’s a great idea!
Thanks for sharing this information. I wish we knew about it before our recent trip to Southeast Asia. Oh well. Next time.
Anytime!
Pack for a Purpose wants to thank you so much for being “pack for a purpose travelers” and for helping us spread the word!
With appreciation and warm regards,
Rebecca Rothney
Founder of Pack for a Purpose
Our pleasure Rebecca, thanks for all you are doing.
Great tips. You are making us retying our ways of packing for any trip. Great read.
Thanks Laura, it’s really easy to help.
That is such an awesome idea! I definitely want to pack for a purpose now, this is soo cool.
Great Devlin, thanks. If we all do a little it will have a big impact.