PACK FOR A PURPOSE When Brooke and I first discovered Pack for a Purpose (PfaP), we had so many questions. Fortunately, they were all answered when we visited the website (www.packforapurpose.org). We looked under “How to Participate”, and then clicked on “As a traveler”. After thoroughly researching PfaP and communicating with its Founder, we had a clear understanding of its mission and want to enlighten our community on how to offer support for those in need through this organization. We are all global citizens and each have a responsibility to make a difference. If you are a traveler, you are probably aware of responsible tourism. As stated on the PfaP website, “When you choose to take needed supplies to community projects at your destination, the graciousness of your act not only enriches the local community, but also enhances the joy of travel.” Brooke and I will never travel again without bringing some type of supplies for those in need. If we are blessed with the opportunity to travel, we have the obligation to give back. So How Does Pack for a Purpose Really Work? PfaP provides needs lists on its website for destinations in over 60 countries. These lists are provided by the local, community-based projects, which receive and use the supplies. Because these lists come directly from the source, they enable travelers to make informed decisions about the items they take with them abroad.
While they hope that you take at least five pounds of requested supplies, travelers are free to take as little or as much as they are able to. Taking a stethoscope weighs less than 1 kilo, but it can touch 10,000 hearts. Taking pencils for students who do not have any makes it possible for them to have a productive learning experience. Taking diapers for a home that cares for intellectually disabled children and adults is an enormous assistance. PfaP’s tagline sums it up perfectly- Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact!
These are the Five Easy Steps To Participate:
1. Select your destination. 2. Find an accommodation or tour company and a project it supports. 3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested. 4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company. 5. The supplies will then be delivered to the community-based project. What If You Don’t Travel? Financial donations to support the work of PfaP are always welcome and greatly appreciated. If you are a U.S. citizen, your donation is fully tax deductible. Pack for a Purpose is currently looking for financial support from philanthropists or businesses that would like to sponsor our mission. If you are interested, please contact the founder Rebecca Rothney for details at rebecca@packforapurpose.org.
ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017.
