YOU can donate more than just money!!! SUPPLIES are KEY!

Aside from money….there are other ways you can help!!!!

Medicines and supplies are the backbone of this trip to Kenya.  On previous trips, teams have treated approximately 3000 people/team and 99% of the medicines and all of the supplies were collected and brought to Kenya by the teams.  To ensure that we have the appropriate amount and type of supplies for the trip, it is imperative that every team member keep their commitment and help collect and pack medicines and supplies as identified through the orientation manual and emails from the Medical Team Leaders. 

Each team member is mandated to bring  a certain amount of supplies. I have to fill one large storage bin and another checked bag full of supplies:

                                                                                                                                         

If you would like to help donate I would take anything, 1 bottle the next time you stop at the grocery store, a gift card to Walmart/Walgreens. If you live in Chicagoland area suburbs, my mother can meet you somewhere and she will be sending me a box with stuff as things become collected. If you are here in Maui I can come pick up at any location!! Otherwise, the flat rate boxes are pretty cheap to ship here to Maui and they get here in a few short days! I’m planning on my guest room to soon be looking like my very own Walgreens!! Message me for my address or with any questions on how to get stuff to Kenya for us!

Some simple things they desperately needed like sunglasses or reading glasses will mean the world to them! Then, we would like to bring some gifts for them to enjoy like any type of BEADS for the women, small simple toys for the kids, baby/kid clothes....you will be amazed just going thru your house to find some things listed below or not listed! They will find a use for anything! 

I recently learned that they use a certain type of tree branch with some ends they use to brush their teeth so the simplest things will bring much joy and help their health! 

Vitamins (adult & children) NO IRON

Pain Relievers (tylenol, ibuprofen, - adult & children)

Antibiotics (ampillicin, erythromycin, amoxicillin)

Ointments (bacitracin, triple antibiotic, Neosporin, polysporin)

Ear/Eye antibiotics

Scabies/lice lotion/shampoo

Skin ointment/creams (antifungals, anti-itch with and without steroid)

Reading glasses (I can take used ones or even pairs from the DOLLAR store!!)

SUNGLASSES THEY NEED BADLY!!!

Pens/Pencils/Sharpies

            Thermometers

            Blood Pressure Cuffs

            Disposable Otoscopes

            Calculators

            Pill Cutters/crushers

            Baby wash

            Baby bottles/Nipples

            Toothbrushes

            Toothpaste

            Soap

            Laundry Soap

            Maxi Pads

            Hand Sanitizer

            Cotton Diapers

            Baby diapers

            Oral Rehydration powder packs

            Baby formula, powdered

            Urine dip-sticks

            Urine pregnancy tests

            Plastic Vaginal Speculums

            Duct Tape

            Tarps

            Rope

            Penlights

            Multiuse tool

            Baby booger getters AKA BBG’s (yup-that’s what they’re called)

            Baby Bulb Suction

            Aerochambers for albuterol

            Stethescope

            Blank sticky white labels

            Clipboards

            Snack/sandwich size baggies

            Medication reference books

            Dermatology Book

            Batteries

Small toys and gifts are also much appreciated both for individuals and for local schools and orphanages. We will talk more about how these gifts are distributed.

                        Sewing kits                                         Extra Material

     Thread/Needles                                 Bandanas

                        Soccer Balls                                       Calculators

                        Ball pumps                                         Inflatable balls

                        Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets)         Coloring books

                        Balloons                                            Crayons                                                                       

                       Hacky sacs                                       Beads and fishing line

                        Glow Bracelets                               Harmonicas

                        Stickers                                             Matchbox cars

                        Flying Discs/Frisbees                      Small Puzzles

                        Eyeglasses/Sunglasses                  Small Footballs

                        Pencil Boxes                                    Cards

                        Carrying Bags                                  Small Zipper bags

     Pocket Knives                                  Duct Tape                       

     Scissors                                            Lighters

                        Flip Flops                                          Nail Clippers/files

                        Bubbles                                            Hats

                        Water bottles                                   Jump Ropes

                        T-shirts              

                        School Supplies (pencils, pens, paper, educational material etc)

                        Baby/children’s clothes 

Also, I am planning to bring something easily packable to give to the people and children I meet.  Small things like, bracelets, balloons TOOTHBRUSHES, toothpaste, mini nailpolishes, bubbles…anything that I can bring in quantity and that is small to pack in my bag would be awesome! If you would like to help donate I promise to bring back pictures of the people with our gifts!!!

These are actual pictures of some people and children of the Turkana Region where we will be staying and doing our work. I cannot wait to meet and learn so much about these people. The stories I will have to share when I return will be possible because of my generous friends & family that have helped me get there and reach my goals!