So often, the countries we visit on wonderful vacations are tropical countries struggling with poverty. And so often, vacationers wish they could do something to help.
At this time of year, when our hearts grow a few sizes (and our wallets are already open as we buy gifts), why not give something extra to the people who welcome us and our kids?
Charities that Give in Ways Your Child can Understand
Jamaica: SOS Children's Village
If you're one of the many families who vacation in Jamaica's all-inclusive resorts, you may have driven along the highway that travels west on the north coast from Montego Bay-- and perhaps you noticed a sign that says "SOS Children's Village". The goal here is "to offer orphaned and abandoned children - regardless of race, nationality or creed - a permanent home and to prepare them for an independent life." The Jamaica SOS Children's Village has been established for many years.
Click the "Helping" link to find out how to donate. If you return year after year to the same resort, you can point out the place to your kids on your next visit-- and perhaps even arrange a visit.
SOS Children's Village - Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a popular destination for families, thanks to the many all-inclusives in Punta Cana and elsewhere. SOS Children's Village is active here too.
Heifer International: give an animal
Heifer offers a great way to give direct help to families with the gift that keeps on giving: a flock of geese (just $20), a goat, a pig, a cow... Families can feed themselves and perhaps earn extra income too. Choosing which animal to donate is a great way to involve your own kids and teach them how the habit of giving.
Sponsor a Child: Plan International
Some of you may remember a charity called "Foster Parents Plan": donors signed up to give help directly to a family in a poor country, and could write letters and sent gifts to their "foster child."
Over time, the focus of this charity shifted toward helping a whole community, rather than singling out certain families for special treatment. But the personal link with a particular child remains: donors can still write (and send small gifts) to their special child, who'll write letters back, translated if necessary. You'll receive pictures, too, and reports of how your child is progressing in school, and how the family is faring-- all in all, a great way to teach your own kids about reaching out to help someone.
You can find your country's branch of Plan International. The price of sponsoring a child is very reasonable: approx. $24/month. Note to those who've vacationed in the Dominican Republic: you can select that country, for sponsoring a child.
Charity Checks
For the charities above and pretty much any other charity: if you -- or your company-- wants to give "The Joy of Giving" for a present, Charity Checks may be a practical way to do so. Charity Checks are "giving certificates", somewhat like gift certificates: person A gives person B a sum of money that person B can then donate to any US charity; person A, meanwhile, gets a tax deduction. (Charity Checks certificates are redeemable by any U.S.-based nonprofit; there are more than 800,000 such organizations.)
Cancun: Give a Toy, Get a Smile
For families visiting Cancun or the Mayan Riviera: this great volunteer effort is a very nice way for your child to help another child, by bringing along a toy to donate to a local youngster. There are several drop-off spots in Cancun, and also Playa del Carmen and Tulum in the Mayan Riviera (-check web site for current drop-off points.)
In-Person Gifts
Kids can relate directly to bringing things in your luggage to give away to other kids: children's books, school supplies, kids' clothes...
Many small charities and schools are ready and willing to take donations from tourists; see more about Bringing Donations for Kids, including links for charities on many Caribbean islands and in many places in Mexico.
If you still can't find an organization, try googling your destination plus "tourists donate"; or call or email a resort to ask for suggestions.
Some guests like to give kids' clothes and toys to the maids at their resorts. Two points to note: be sensitive to people's feelings, when offering; and include a note specifying that you've given these items to the employee.
See some thoughtful tips about direct giving (--scroll down): random gift-giving, and unannounced school visits, can have effects we would not intend.
Support Tourism Companies that Do Good
Another way to help, when actually on your trip, is to look for companies that support local charities. Check resort or tour company web sites, or ask directly, to see if the company contributes to local welfare.
