Looking for items for Cuban Aid.

Hello. I travel to Cuba 3-4 times a year. I go to the same resort in the Holguín area. This is the area that was directly hit by hurricane Melissa. I always pay the $50-60 to take an extra suitcase full of items for the Cuban people who can certainly use them. The average Cuban makes about $30 USD per month and with this has to buy their everyday items for their family. I tip the waiters, bartenders and maids in cash. They can make double their monthly salary in one day of tips allowing them to buy what they need at the government store or blackmarket if available. Shortages and cost of items is very prevalent.

I had an ad for any extra check size suitcases you wanted to donate and I received a few messages from people who either also take items with them or others who had items to donate. So I decided to seek the extra help as well as the suitcases.

There are 2 female staff members that are in positions that don't receive tips that i help support mostly. They are both single mother's of an 11 year old boy and 15 year old boy. I have their clothes sizes and shoe sizes and take what they need each time. I also take everyday items such as toiletries, household items, medicines and food. I also take extra items that they can give to other members of their family and people in need in their communities.

I try to take light weight items as there is a 50lb limit for check baggage. So here are a few of the items that are are really useful and either very hard to get there or very expensive.

FOOD:
Kraft dinner
Box potatoes
Powder milk (very useful) $11 USD in Cuba
Treats for kids
Box pasta
Chicken/beef bouillon cubes. Not the liquid.
Instant coffee
Can meats such as tuna, ham, chicken, etc

TOILETRIES:
Toothpaste and brushes
Deodorant
Bars of soap
Feminine hygiene products
Shampoo
Etc

I have lots of clothes. I either get them from the online auctions at a very good price and one of the auctions know I take items and they donate items to me.

There is a major Mosquito problem in Cuba that carries 2 sickening viruses. So insect Repellent is very helpful.

Medicines:
Tylenol
Ibprophene
Arthritis meds
Kids medicines are very scared.

If you have any items that you wish to donate it would be very appreciated. Please be unopened unused items.

Any check size suitcases in half decent condition you would like to donate that would also be very helpful.

Sometimes another person would be traveling with me and I pay for them to take an extra suitcase as well.

I'm going on Nov 27th and almost have my suitcase, the extra suitcase and carry on bag full. I'll also be going in January and March so I'll be needing items for these trips.

Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance. I can pick up the items anywhere in the HRM.

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