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RAK for Orphanage in Nepal

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RAK for Orphanage in Nepal
Swap Coordinator:VallesAvallonis (contact)
Swap categories: Random Items 
Number of people in swap:10
Location:International
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:June 3, 2010
Date items must be sent by:June 17, 2010
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

This is a RAK (random acts of kindness) swap for the orphans living in the Aishworya Children's Home in Baluwataar, Nepal. I spent a month in Nepal a little while ago and ended up staying at the Children's Home for a bit. These kids became very dear to my heart.

Swap details: * You will make 1 small package (you may send more if you want) that can be sent through the USPS to the children's home. This will most likely be a large bubble mailer or a small box. * Package is to include at least 1 article of clothing for a child ages 3-13. Clothing may be used but in good condition. * A customs form is necessary! Please use the large one and list everything you are sending.

  • Package should also include at least one other item for a child. This might include stickers, a book (in English is fine), postcards, crayons, paper, markers, colored pencils, regular pens and pencils, puzzles, notebooks, coloring books, small lightweight toys, etc.

  • Please write a short letter and tell them a little about yourself and your family. If you have children feel free to let them write a letter as well. Most of these children can read and understand English. Also, feel free to add a photo of you and your family as well.

  • The "swap" aspect is you will take a photograph of the package and it's contents before mailing, and then Email your partner the photograph as well as a brief note explaining why you chose to join this swap.

What not to send: Nothing low cut. No female shorts or short skirts No bathing suits or magazines that show anybody in underwear, bathing suits, or otherwise skimpy clothing. No tank tops for the girls either please. No XL clothing. Nothing stained or torn. **If you have a question about what is OK to send, please ask me! Most of these children are either Buddhist or Hindu.

** I HAVE spoken to the volunteer coordinator in Nepal, and he has spoken with Pramilla at the Orphanage. Both believe packages will arrive safely. I have it set up for them to contact me when the items arrive. I do know these people personally.

Because postage will be a little expensive, and the only way you will be held accountable for sending or not sending is through Email, please no newbies! You must have a perfect rating, and at least 3 type 3 mailed and rated swaps or at least 10 mailed and rated swaps. If you do not meet requirements, but would still like to participate, please PM me, and I'll take it into consideration.

** I DO have the address, but will send it to you in a PM once partners have been assigned. I'm a little wary about posting a full address in the swap description. If you want it early, please send me a PM and I will give it to you. I also have a phone number if you need to contact someone at the orphanage.

Discussion

MzPatti 05/20/2010 #

Should we mark the package on the outside to show if it's for a girl or boy (size or age appropriate)? Otherwise the packages will be opened and the stuff sorted before given out.

Maybe just :

BOY/ 5 years / toy GIRL / 10 years / pencils

I'm pretty sure we'll have to disclose on the customs form.

I think this is one of the kindest swaps around and I thank you for involving us with this lovely project.

=)

BIG HUGS TO YOU!

VallesAvallonis 05/20/2010 #

@MzPatti - I'm going to ask Pramilla at the orphanage to let the children open the packages. However, they'll all share everything anyway! The boys wear the girl clothes and vice versa. So - you can do whatever you think is best!

On a side note - I can't guarantee that they'll let them open the packages themselves. They'll probably want to make sure things are appropriate for the children before giving it to them.

Also you are most certainly welcome and I am so glad there are people interested in this. The generosity of this community is astounding. :)

VallesAvallonis 05/20/2010 #

Please do not send the following: Tank tops Shorts or skirts Nothing XL Nothing risque Nothing with holes or rips

Scrappymommy4 05/20/2010 #

Just wondering what the most needed/wanted items are? pants ?shirts? sizes? new underwear? pajamas? dresses?

VallesAvallonis 05/20/2010 #

Most likely underwear, and really anything else. They have a box of clothing and the kids go through and pick what they're going to wear that day. :( It's kind of sad. Most of the kids are between the ages of 5 and 12 - and they're very small. The girls like really cute play dresses, and the boys could use bottoms from what I remember. (Longish shorts and other pants).

Scrappymommy4 05/20/2010 #

sounds good, thanks!

VallesAvallonis 05/20/2010 #

From @MzPatti - Thanks again for finding this out! "You must use the large customs form for Nepal instead of the teeny one.

On the customs form you must list what's in the box.

You can use the priority boxes that are available for free at the PO"

iggygirl 05/20/2010 #

what a lovely swap idea. it's on my watch list and join once my current list is down.

Since I'm making pillowcase dresses for a swap to send to "dresses for africa" I'll make an extra :)

VallesAvallonis 05/20/2010 #

Awww thank you @IggyGirl

BeauceronsRock 05/20/2010 #

So we can basically send any size clothes for kids? What about baby clothes? Just curious. My 10 year old is excited about this swap, she wants to go shopping for goodies now. LOL.

VallesAvallonis 05/20/2010 #

Yup - any size clothes. They do get babies once in awhile - eesh I sound like they shop for them - but when I was there the youngest was 3.

BeauceronsRock 05/20/2010 #

I found their website and was reading it and looking at all the pictures :)

VallesAvallonis 05/21/2010 #

Awww - @BeauceronsRock - would you like to post the link?

BeauceronsRock 05/21/2010 #

Sure thing :)

http://www.aishworya.org/Home.html

BeauceronsRock 05/21/2010 #

The link below shows items that can't be sent to Nepal and other info on there too.

http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/mo_021.htm#ep1728068

VallesAvallonis 05/21/2010 #

Thank you @BeauceronsRock - guess what?! The photo above of the little boy - he was FINALLY reunited with his father! :D (does a little happy dance)!

papercrafter23 05/21/2010 #

@VallesAvallonis so it sounds like we could make something to send too? For instance, if I have a pattern for a little girl's dress, I could make one instead of buying one?

VallesAvallonis 05/21/2010 #

@papercrafter23 - DEFINITELY!

GeminiWilder 05/21/2010 #

This is a most beautiful swap. I don't have the funds to participate right now, but wonder if you'll do another in the future - providing this one is a rousing success (which I imagine it will be!) If you can, I will keep my eye out for it!! Blessings to you all!!!

VallesAvallonis 05/22/2010 #

@GeminiWilder - Thank you! :) Maybe I'll have the chance to do it again in the future - I hope so anyway. If you ever want to just send something (without it being a swap) let me know. I've been soliciting other friends to join in too.

Ogma 05/23/2010 #

@VallesAvallonis what a wonderful experience that must have been! I just looked through the site. Wow.

Should we address/label the clothing (and the toys) for ages and genders? I know you said they share clothing but there were quite a few 11-15-year-olds there and some really young ones. Or should we just let them sort it out? Thanks!

VallesAvallonis 05/23/2010 #

@Ogma - I would just let them sort it out. I think they'll have more fun if it's a surprise. :)

katherinem 05/23/2010 #

@VallesAvallonis thank you so much for organizing this swap. What a wonderful idea for a great group of kids! Now, what to send ...

VallesAvallonis 05/24/2010 #

@katherinem - thank you and you're welcome. :) ANYTHING! That's the beauty of it. They have next to nothing, so anything you want to send is PERFECT you can't go wrong! :D

katherinem 05/28/2010 #

I just finished my shopping for this swap. It may have just been my lucky day, but the stores were full of great bargains. It made it easier because of the wide range of sizes and items that are suitable. If anyone is thinking about joining but concerned about the cost, you could likely spend as much or as little as you like, for some quality items!

iggygirl 06/ 3/2010 #

I'm sorry I gotta drop. I got a letter saying I'm all out of Employment Insurance Benefits so I'm not getting anymore cash. I'd love to do it another month when I have more money.

VallesAvallonis 06/ 4/2010 #

I was just reminded that everyone needs the address. (Duh.) lol - I'll send it by PM to everyone. However the website for the orphanage does have the same one.

Scrappymommy4 06/16/2010 #

Oh dear, I am over 100 dollars and I have not shipped yet....this swap is not good for my wallet!

BeauceronsRock 06/17/2010 #

My pkg went out today, wish I could've sent more, but maybe next time. Also the postal worker wouldn't let hubby do the long customs form, even after he kept telling her that is what his wife wants to use, she said you don't have to use the long one and they won't open it at customs. She also said to be patient cause even though it went priority it can take up to two months to get there and also in winter, there is no mail delivery cause no one likes to deliver the mail. I don't know when their winter is, I am hoping not right now. One of the ladies that works at our post office adopted a baby from Nepal about 6 or 7 yrs ago...Anyways I have to go and run errands to get ready for hubby's surgery but I will email my partner the pic of what I've sent ;)

Scrappymommy4 06/19/2010 #

96 dollars for shipping...AHHH!!! and that was not airmail either.....cuse that was going to be 179!

:(

Oh well, I really truly hope some little child has their day made!

BeauceronsRock 07/ 6/2010 #

I am so thrilled, Pramila emailed me and let me know she received the package I sent :) She's so very sweet and I am hoping to do this again :)

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