Tons of donations, suitcases full of stuff, were brought to the "bagging room" where they were sorted by an ambitious team of "baggers" (at least 19 women photographed) into cartons of school supplies for teachers as well as ziplock bags for kids.  It was awesome.

I would send you some great pictures of the donations and baggers if I knew how.  (Maybe Jeri will do it.)

Large quantities of cartons of school supplies were delivered ashore for us by Holland America.

Hundreds of individual ziplock bags containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos, soaps, crayons, pencils, pencil sharpeners, notebooks, toys, balloons, bubbles, and more were carried ashore by the "bag ladies" who handed them out to children and adults we encountered on our various excursions.  So there are many individual stories of where the gift bags were passed out.

Joan

WOW, in one word and in another fantastic!!  Due to all of the wonderful womyn that donated items, that ranged from toys, medical supplies and school supplies, it was a super donation drive!!!  Many womyn took supplies onto the Island and had donations sites and individuals to hand supplies out too.  Items not delivered by individuals where dispensed thru the HAL Port authorities.  Not sure on a total count, sure that it was up into the thousands of items donated. 

This was a hugh success!!!  This effort was done by a group of womyn that decided to travel on this trip on their own.  Jeri of Olivia, who unfortunately was not able to make this trip, was our contact person.  Without Jeri there, many things had to be reset, yet the team of gals from this trip struggled to get the items out successfully.   Definately this kind of group effort from the travelers paid off big time.  I just hope that other travelers will do ideas like this on their trips.  If anyone needs guidence on the how to's, and there are alot, let me know and I will help in your setup.

So, hats off to all of the wonderful womyn that contributed and dispensed all of the donation items to Samana, Dominican Rebublic on our cruise in 2008.

Happy New Year, Pass it Forward!!

One person can make a difference, and others will follow!!

Inde

Hi, all--

 I never did get to hear how the donations to the school in Samana, D.R., went.  If anyone has a moment and can tell me, or can say where else the info is posted, I'd appreciate it.

 Happy New Year, one and all--

Dana

Calling TNT Moms...

The Olivia email system won't send an email to y'all from me (I'm not taking it personally...) so I'm replying to your cheapo floats message here with a Thanks--see y'all soon.

Daña

we are bring 190, 4 packs of glue sticks . we won't be able to go with you girls but we do want to give these so who do i need to give them to . To make sure  they get to the right person.

Bag Distribution LIst

• simply-cruising-ML and Andrea
• TNT (on foot or wheels)

I realize many have booked excursions.  Wanted to see who is still interested in bringing the goodies to the kids.  We are on the 4x4 scenic tour but will cancel if we can do something on our own or through a contact in DR.  Who else wants to be included?

Bag Distribution LIst

• simply-cruising-ML and Andrea