Before every visit to Penasco take a little time and a few bucks and stop by your local Goodwill or the like, pick up some children's clothes and or blankets, stash them in your vehicle and bring them along on your trip. A few garments or a whole bag full. The Goodwill in Payson has one day a week that you can fill a grocery bag with clothes for only $1. Maybe your local Goodwill offers something similar. Most of them have more inventory than they can deal with. Maybe you can get a special bulk deal, but please don't think your gift might be too small. One bag of rice or beans, one warm winter jacket will be appreciated. Go through your closet and take out the stuff you never wear, the clothes your children have outgrown, those extra blankets you got from aunt Matilda's estate and bring em down. We have a friend from Az that loves to haunt the yard sales. She's a regular supplier of children's clothes.
Do it every trip, don't forget. Make it a habit. Put it on your list of things to NOT forget, you know, Passport, fishin stuff, beach chairs, clothes and food for Penascos children. The need is enormous, your gift won't go unappreciated. If you need a tax deduction, that can be arranged.
Food is always welcome too! Non-perishable of course, dried beans and rice, stuff like that.
Where to take it? You may already have a drop off point in mind but here's an easy alternative. Just stop by Twin Dolphins Real Estate office, right on Fremont Blvd, just a couple of blocks off Benito Juarez, between the Nissan dealer and the Cruz Roja, Monday thru Sat. between 10am and 3pm (to be safe) . We will be sure that your gift is passed on to needy families in Penasco.
Alternatively call me and I'll come and pick up whatever you got. Mexican Cell 110-1629 or 602-324-7241.
Great idea. I always think about it, but then I forget while I'm so busy packing. I never knew where to drop it off. When I see the kids living next to the railroad tracks I just want to go out and buy as many blankets as I can afford. We have a brand new Goodwill store here in Surprise and I'll be sure to do that next time.
I have several good friends there that take everything I bring everytime! Oscar and Sharlot over at Rocky Point Marine House have their ear out for needy people and Seadweller has taken some stuff for me, too. We are taking 2 wheelchairs down next time and need to meet up with Mark (you readin' this, Mark?).
Somebody asked about shoes. Yes, shoes of all kind but especially tennies and kids stuff.
One friend bought one of those plastic tubs, the big ones, as a place to store collected stuff in between trips. She taped a clasp envelope to the lid and put her passport in it so she would not forget the tub!!
If you are worried about the Mexican inspectors, try using an old suit case to bring the clothes through. They don't bother personal luggage much. They are concerned about people bringing stuff down in large quantities to sell, that's their job.
I have several good friends there that take everything I bring everytime! Oscar and Sharlot over at Rocky Point Marine House have their ear out for needy people and Seadweller has taken some stuff for me, too. We are taking 2 wheelchairs down next time and need to meet up with Mark (you readin' this, Mark?).
Thanks Matt, we will be looking forward to seeing you next time you're down... Merry Christmas to you and Dusty...
I have a question about the quality of the things they want. For example, I have a new navy blue sweat shirt that had bleach splattered on it. It's not real bad, just three or four "pea size" white spots. Do they want something like that or will they be offended. Also I'm just getting ready to throw away a few small rugs because the rubber backing is coming off the bottom of them and it clogs up my dryer. But when the rugs are on the floor, they look brand new.
Do they want things like underwear and socks? My hubby is high maintenance and he gets rid of socks and underwear that is still in good condition. I would hate to throw out a pair of socks when someone in RP is walking around in bare feet in the winter.
Also, can you tell us the best way to "hide" it? Since Playa Elegante closed, we sold our RV and I have lots of blankets and towels from the RV that are stored in the garage that I would be happy to give them.
I have a question about the quality of the things they want. For example, I have a new navy blue sweat shirt that had bleach splattered on it. It's not real bad, just three or four "pea size" white spots. Do they want something like that or will they be offended. Also I'm just getting ready to throw away a few small rugs because the rubber backing is coming off the bottom of them and it clogs up my dryer. But when the rugs are on the floor, they look brand new.
Do they want things like underwear and socks? My hubby is high maintenance and he gets rid of socks and underwear that is still in good condition. I would hate to throw out a pair of socks when someone in RP is walking around in bare feet in the winter.
Also, can you tell us the best way to "hide" it? Since Playa Elegante closed, we sold our RV and I have lots of blankets and towels from the RV that are stored in the garage that I would be happy to give them.
Yes they will reuse all mentioned used clothes. They only tax you on new stuff, The blankets and towels just tell them they are used and going to your place, say Cholla Bay. Its cold their.
The clothes too, their is no limit on the used stuff, Just look them in the eye and stick to your story..Don't hide the clothes.
Also, can you tell us the best way to "hide" it? Since Playa Elegante closed, we sold our RV and I have lots of blankets and towels from the RV that are stored in the garage that I would be happy to give them.
Just put the stuff in big duffels or suitcases....then it appears to be your clothing/stuff.
My wife and I have been doing this for years. No problems with the aduanas. We always bring in garbage bags loaded with clothes and just say "cosas personal". This Christmas we brought in 54 turkeys in two trips and were not hassled.
Thanks for this post Roberto
I have a question about the quality of the things they want. For example, I have a new navy blue sweat shirt that had bleach splattered on it. It's not real bad, just three or four "pea size" white spots. Do they want something like that or will they be offended. Also I'm just getting ready to throw away a few small rugs because the rubber backing is coming off the bottom of them and it clogs up my dryer. But when the rugs are on the floor, they look brand new.
Do they want things like underwear and socks? My hubby is high maintenance and he gets rid of socks and underwear that is still in good condition. I would hate to throw out a pair of socks when someone in RP is walking around in bare feet in the winter. .
Most of the people I know will be grateful for the items you mention. Socks and underwear, yes, clean of course. If you look at something and say "that's a rag" leave it home, if you look at something and say "that's still useable" bring it along.
Thanks for you interest and concern. The people of Puerto Penasco will be grateful, remember nothing is too small either, one coat, one blanket.
That's what I thought. If they are cold, they won't care if the sweatshirt has a bleach stain, but I just wanted to make sure. I even have a bag of mis-matched socks which I feel they would appreciate if their feet are cold. As you say, they live in a cardboard box and I'm just going to throw them away.
We just had a visit from one member who apparently clean out their closets and brought 5 fabulous large bags of clothes. That donation made a lot of people happy ! Thanks again !
Roberto... that is great news... Yesterday was a busy day for us as well... over the weekend Barb and I had the pleasure of meeting toesinthesand a.k.a. Wendy...
We took 16 bags of clothes to the "Esperanza Para Nuevo Vida" Community Center, and we also took a load of school supplies to each of the 2 schools we currently have in our Adopt-A-Classroom program...
We also paid a visit to "La Montana School for Special Needs Children" and we will be adding them to our program... we will be returning to the La Montana school today to get a list of things they are in need of...
click on the attachments to see photos...
some of the children at our first school "Elvira Fabiola Cenena"
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our latest addition to our Adopt-A-Classroom of Rocky Point program La Motana School for special needs children (attachment 824 not found)(attachment 823 not found)(attachment 821 not found)
Each trip we bring what ever will fit in the truck. We just drive along the railroad tracks and stop at a different house each time. A blessing to them and a greater blessing for us. My wife always finds a little change purse and puts in whatever change I bring back from the last trip. The kids love toys and are alway gratefull. My thoughts are to start bringing food staples down. Plastic sheeting and tarps would not hurt either.
Roberto... that is great news... Yesterday was a busy day for us as well... over the weekend Barb and I had the pleasure of meeting toesinthesand a.k.a. Wendy...
We took 16 bags of clothes to the "Esperanza Para Nuevo Vida" Community Center, and we also took a load of school supplies to each of the 2 schools we currently have in our Adopt-A-Classroom program...
We also paid a visit to "La Montana School for Special Needs Children" and we will be adding them to our program... we will be returning to the La Montana school today to get a list of things they are in need of...
Thanks Mark & Barb! See you soon, hopefully with a lot of egg ammo!
No they are 2 different entities... but both are great causes "Esparanza Para Nuevo Vida" is a Community Center in the barrio Orente at Lazaro Cardenas & Ave. 54... this is the discription from a previous post bytrade a.k.a. Harold...
We have a non profit in the US (AIM) and in Mexico (La Esperanza Para Nuevo Vida AC) "Hope for A New Life" We have been working in Mexico for 10 years as of this year! It does go fast. We build houses, churches, a couple of buildings for rehab centers and our latest venture a community center. As with all the other projects this will also be gifted to the local community. They have been very helpful with constuction and day to day operations. We also distribute 4000 lbs, of food each month.
The orphanage is "Esperanza Para Los Ninos" (aka Casa Hogar para los desamparados): Five adults care for 30 (or so) children at this home, children who would otherwise be homeless and desperate. Staffed by volunteers, they provide security, food, clothes, education and lots of love-- and in terms of remuneration they receive precious little in return. But this is not about money for them (one staff member gave up his management job at a Wal-Mart Mexico to care for these kids; his wife is the main cook). It's about love.
Note that the website for this charity (linked above) is run by a U.S. contact on behalf of the orphanage and is not an "official" website. As the owner of the website says: "These children do not need to be rescued. They need love and fresh food, and when they have been out of milk for a week, the order needs to be reversed."
See also this website, with further information: http://www.esperanzachildrenshome.com As quoted from this website: "Guillermo Zapata the Director of Para Los Ninos has delegated Rick Bills a member of Desert Breeze Community Church the US Coordinator to allow EsperanzaChildrensHome.com to become the focal point for US interests in an effort to try and allow God's work to be most beneficial to the children of Esperanza." They can be contacted at [B][COLOR=#003366]EsperanzaChildrensHome@cox.net[/COLOR][/B]
Visitors and donations are gladly received at La Esperanza, and so are pen pals. Visiting the home is a wonderful gift to the children, but taking time to send a child a birthday card and maybe a Christmas card is a very special gift. It may be the only mail they ever get.
To write to these wonderful children use the address below:
Esperanza para los ninos
P.O. 1024
Lukeville AZ 85341
These are just a few photos from the Food Distribution on Feb. 6, 2009 sponsored by trade a.k.a. Harold Tuttle and his wife Kathy and the "Esparanza Para Nuevo Vida" community center... this is a monthly event for the community center... the only thing I wasn't able to photograph is the Love and Respect that is shared during the distribution... Thank You Harold and Kathy for all that you do here in Rocky Point...
The need for donations of any kind has not dropped off, but gotten greater. People arrive on the train coal cars and box cars regularly still thinking there are jobs in Penasco. Jobs are few and far between. Note how many men carry a 5 gallon bucket and a rag hoping to get a car wash. Husbands and fathers have left looking for work elsewhere, placing even more stress on the families and children. Children are actually still going hungry in Penasco and will benefit from your thoughtful kindness.
Please remember Do it every trip. If it slips your mind in the rush to pack and get down here, you can always stop at the store in Lukeville, right on the border next to the Weta . They sell rice and beans, last time I was there they had jumbo bags of pinto beans. Wouldn't that make a great gift to a hungry person.
BTW that store is really very well stocked for last minute stuff. Great selection, even fresh meat and veggies. Pick me up a 5 liter box of Merlot next time through also !!
Now this is right down my alley! Yes, do it every time and a difference can be made. I belong to a small group on another border town that does this. I have learned to rebag clothes in small bags and stuff them everywhere in a small economy car. I put my personal things over the bags to hide them and that helps us get things across without too much flak. Sometimes the Mexican border officials have stopped cars bringing in used clothing especially. If it is new, there are less problems for us. People without jobs don't have money for clothes. They barely eat. This is very helpful. Please only bring good, usable, clean clothes. I have learned to always check each bag before taking it across.
Is the drop off site still at the Twin Dolphins? We are down for a couple of weeks, brought some blankets and a few bags of clothes...
Yes, we will be pleased to accept your donations and pass them along. I just visited with Sylvia from Two Fish ministries and she told me they can always use things like beans and rice. They feed every day but Sunday. You can drop off at their location next to Numero's and alternatively Twin Dolphins office is open 7 days a week, at least 9 to 4.
:mexico: Probably the best section to me of this whole site. Love the generosity and giving spirit that the expats or RP community reiterates in the Joinus and Rocky Point Times. Can't wait to become part of the RP community and see good things happen for the great people of Puerto Penasco. I was a regular visiter in the 90's and then life happens and I didn't get back down again till last year but been making the trek down monthly now (and purchasing a condo even) so I have been reading voraciously all the great things people are involved in there is such a great vibe I get from PTO Penasco... so glad to get back and start being part of the positive actions going on!
Hey Roberto--We'll be coming down 4/29 for a week. We can pack an extra suitcase of our kids' outgrown clothes for dropoff to you. Would there be a box to put them in at the office?
Hey Roberto--We'll be coming down 4/29 for a week. We can pack an extra suitcase of our kids' outgrown clothes for dropoff to you. Would there be a box to put them in at the office?
Yes. There is genrealy someone here between 9 to 5. wewe will have someplace to put them. We might be out, but only for a shot time.
Denise, welcome to the forum and Rocky Point! Thank you for donating the clothes! Everything is needed there. When I'm down, I usually have a potluck party and invite the forum. Next time you are down, please come and meet us at the party. Just a warning tho, I'm trailer trash. LOL But condo people are welcome! If you haven't found that thread yet on here some of the condo people and trailer trash tease each other lovingly. Happy reading, you will find everything on here! Again welcome and we can't wait to meet you and your family!
