Donating clothing

Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 17, 2006, 15:23:

Try searching this site for "shipping to Colombia"... and you will find alot of useful info...

here is one service....

Http://www.servientrega.com

mention where will you be shipping it from, Azul.


Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo.....Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Azul says on Dec 17, 2006, 16:52:

very true I appreciate the comments Don. I know exactly what you mean. When I first met my wife she said that she was poor, and by my standards she was correct. But then as I started to spend more time in Colombia I started to see things and meet people that brought a whole new meaning to the word "poor". It breaks my heart, especially when I see kids the same age as my son. It really gives me a different perspective on things, especially when I return home. I like "stuff" as much as the next guy, but now every time I think about buying something I also think about what that money could provide in Colombia. I wish I could do more than just bringing a suitcase full of clothes....I have so much admiration for them, in spite of everything they are happier than a lot of people I know in the States.

Happy holiday's to you as well my friend, and I hope we all take a moment during this season to give thanks for all that we have and think of those who are in need.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 17, 2006, 17:11:

Azul and DG, you about made me misty there. My girl is "poor" also, as compared to US standards. But I also was awakened when I went to visit her grandmother in a little peublo outside of Villavo. Dirt floor, tarped and tin roof, hand strung extension cords for electric, etc. My fiancee lives with her mom in an estrato 2 house, and that is luxury compared to her grandma. And then I saw / drove through a couple of pueblos between Villavo and Acacias and also was left speechless. I don't need to describe it, because it is the same as the real poor you are talking about. If you guys figure out a way to ship clothes down there at a reasonable cost, let me and everybody know. I worked 10 years in retail clothing management, and I have a mountain of excellent quality clothes that I would love to ship to people that REALLY need it. I was going to donate them to Goodwill or something, but I will hold off for now in case we can find a way to get them to Colombia to people who really need them. Email me if you need anything or there is something I can help out with. Rob

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Lostgringo says on Dec 17, 2006, 18:28:

Donations Myself and a friend here where we live are going to "adopt" a few families for Christmas. I know it is not much but I think if we can cheer up just a few people it makes it all worth while. We have contacted the local police here who are going to help us out. I have not seen the "really poor" but can imagine from the posts above. Robert Jorge Azul, I sure hope your clothes makes to those who really need here in Colombia. By the way I wass under the impression that you could get a special rate for donations and that they are shipped as freight? I know you can do this for Cuba but am not sure of the regs for Colombia. Merry Christmas to you guys.

welovebogota.com

Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security.

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poco says on Dec 17, 2006, 19:49:

Be sure and hand it out yourself !!!! I'd start with the kids, aged 12 years and up,, nothing like seeing a rich gringo passing out goodies,, who knows maybe the kids will try to find a rich gringo when they get older ???

Dress like Santa Claus,, that should be a good touch.

Between you and GIB with his shoe handouts Colombia will be all better in ,,, what ? less than a decade ?

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Azul says on Dec 17, 2006, 20:14:

hmm..not sure how to take that poco but since we can't make the whole country better, we should what...do nothing? Since I can't feed all the homeless in the US, I shouldn't give to the local food bank? Since I have no hope of single handidly financing my favorite charities, I shouldn't bother giving what I can?

We aren't Santa Claus, we aren't looking for kudos, we aren't out to save the world....we're just guys who see people in our lives with a need. Even if we can't make a huge difference, even if we can only offer a few articles of clothing, the world is a better place. Even if just a little.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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poco says on Dec 17, 2006, 20:34:

No,, what you should do is,,, but since we can't make the whole country better, we should what...do nothing?

Find a reputable COLOMBIAN charity, run by COLOMBIANS and support it. Let them determine who, where and why hand out "stuff",

Ever wonder WHY folks don't take kindly to people from the U.S. ? Ever wonder why people who receive FREE things don't seem to do better ?

Almost nothing is FREE in Colombia,, there is a cost, a few pesos for a photocopy, even the almost free "vaccinations" require the recipient to purchase the syringe.

I tried to get a photo showing the pump price for EXTRA,, it was 8,250 pesos per gallon,, but this cell phone holder got in the way.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 17, 2006, 21:02:

Azul...dont mind poco, he is a harmless photo pervert...=) Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo.....Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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goin_south says on Dec 17, 2006, 21:26:

Maybe it would be something good that can come out of PBH A Common Charitable Cause, revolving around everything everyone is saying here. A new reason to have a Meet-Up. After I left my lady in Pasto last New Year's, I had an idea. She had a 14-year-old boy. Boys that age still are having alot of good fun, in Colombia. They like to joke. This kid ran with a group of about 5 or 6 other guys and a few girls, and they were all there, at the complex, it seemed like every time her and I were coming or going. I guess to put it best, they were ... happy, or had fun interacting with something so curious as 'el gringo'. All love.

They caught me 'off-guard', the first morning of Festival Blanco y Negro, powdering me relentlessly with that WHITE foam aerosal shit they spray on everybody and all over the town the first few days. (And, they were equally amazed that 'el gringo viejo' could run fast enough to 'pay back') (I don't think their display of interaction had anything to do with me sharing my bottle of Aguardiente Blanco with all, on New Year's Eve.)

These kids weren't the poorest as you guys speak of above (nor were they on the other end). But, I got to thinking, I have about 200 or 300 old T-shirts from the past 20 years, taking up space in the closet, many of which fit me 20 years ago, but no longer are of any use to me. So I asked my lady if it might be a good idea to ship some down to Pasto to those boys.

I finally got around to doing it too many months later, and she said it was a Big Day, when the box of T-Shirts finally arrived for them all to share.

I suppose I only shipped about 60 or so and I did use Servientrega out of Miami. I think it's reasonable to 'declare cost' at about 50 cents or $1.00 a T-shirt, when we'er talkin used T's, so it didn't cost that much to get them there.

As someone said above, even if we who have so much, can make some other KID'S lives a little happier and more comfortable, then it's a good thing. And I understand both sides, poco's about finding a good Colombian-run charity, but then even though I wasn't there, it is a good feeling sending those to those boys and girls directly, and knowing they actually got to someone I know, and someone who appreciated them.

Maybe during the next year, there can be a concerted effort to make a group effort along these lines. Maybe some will think I'm crazy, but I could see myself handing out clothing along those streets under the MetroCable in Medellin.

No, we can't save the world, but to make one kid's day a little bit better, is more than worth the effort.

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 17, 2006, 22:16:

i agree with you, G..but there is no sense giving something (ie clothing) if the recipient doesnt need clothing, since there are varying levels of poverty. Maybe they need school supplies, hygiene supplies, books, etc. The charity would be in a better position to know who needs what. On the other hand, using the method Azul and you suggest, there would be no doubt the recipient receives the item, which is sometimes questionable when using or donating to charities. I would be open to something like you suggest. Clothing is a great start....as for me, if i did what you have done, there would a lot of little Harlistas running around Colombia with black Harley shirts! =)

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo.....Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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goin_south says on Dec 17, 2006, 22:19:

Well, to be a realist.... I think for now, Harley might be even hotter than the NYY!

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 17, 2006, 22:25:

When i was working in Extradtions, i would fly all over the US picking up prisoners and bringing them back to California. But, once in the rental car, i would hit every Harley dealership and Hard Rock Cafe restaurant in the area and pick up tshirts and collectibles. after 5 years of doing this, i had a ton of tshirts...during my last move, i donated alot of them to the local Goodwill, and sure as shit, there were local winos and homeless people wearing black Harley and white HRC shirts!!!! jajajjaa...

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo.....Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Lostgringo says on Dec 18, 2006, 04:07:

Donations I think there are alot of good posts here and want to elaborate on mine a bit. Since my friend and I know the local police here we will use their knowledge to help out a few families. The families will NOT know where the help is actually coming from. We will remain anonymous. Personally, I am not just giving for the sake of giving. I myself get something out of this so it not exactly altruistic. In Canada, I would volunteer at a local soup kitchen or sort out food at the food terminal in Toronto. So giving back makes me feel good and I hope that in someway I can make someones life just a little better, especially at Christmas.

Also at this time of year I am just a little more free with my loose change with people on the street. Call me foolish but it makes me feel better this time of year.


welovebogota.com

Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security.

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aztec says on Dec 18, 2006, 06:52:

Interesting comment,, Miguel_Clavo. "When i was working in Extradtions, i would fly all over the US

picking up prisoners and bringing them back to California."

On our last trip from Atlanta to Bogotá there were four Colombian men on the plane who has been transferred from Federal prison. They were being deported back to Colombia.

The spooky thing to some of the passengers was they were going around the plane asking for a hand out because they had no money. They even hit on the flight attendants.

How do I know they being deported? We saw them placed on the plane. Also, when they started asking for help some of us asked the flight attendants about the situation. Apparently this goes on all the time but usually no one notices.

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gringolondinense says on Dec 18, 2006, 06:53:

poco! pure genius! youre forever on the look out for a great photo-op.

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