McCoy High has brought several boxes of gifts to distribute to the local
orphanage in La Paz.
Rachel, a Chase River Pathfinder, takes
a moment to hold one of the recipients
of the gift bags.
This group brought down a trunk load of gifts.
Students from Hilltop High distribute gift bags to
the families of the fishing village of Isla Pardito.
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The Baja Gifts Program was started in 2000 when a few of
us decided to donate money and gifts to schools and families in the Baja
South area (Baja California Sur).
We had mentioned what we were doing, to a few of the teachers
participating in the Panterra programs in 2001 and they were inspired
enough to get their classes involved. So, some of the participants started
making up gift packages.
The response was incredible! On most of the school trips in 2001 each
Panterra participant filled a shoebox with gifts such as toiletries
(toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap), school supplies (pens, pencils,
rulers, notebooks, binders, binder paper) and toys. The shoeboxes were
brought down on their trip and the gifts were distributed to
various schools and communities in south Baja.
The Baja Gifts Program has grown from a few of us simply giving
money; to the donation of boxes upon boxes of clothing and supplies.
In 2008, we donated over 300 gift bags, 20 Afghan blankets and 6 large
First Aid Kits to isolated communities in the islands. One school, in
particular, Mc Coy High donated $1665.00 US to which we are still spending
on the gift program.
How do you get involved? Each class would compile a box or boxes of
supplies including school supplies, toiletries, and clothing (one group
donated soccer jerseys that were accepted with overwhelming enthusiasm).
The boxes will then be donated during your trip (if time permits)
or on your behalf to schools or communities we in the southern
region of the Baja.
You don't have to go on one of our trips to be a participant in the gifts
program. We will kindly accept your donation and distribute it on your
behalf, taking pictures and recording who the recipients of your gifts
are. We have schools, families and individuals participating in the
program.
If you have a family doctor or dentist that would like to contribute first
aid and dental hygiene products the donations will be delivered to a
medical/dental facility in one of the many communities in the Baja south
area.
If you would like to get involved with the Baja Gifts Program or like more
information please do not hesitate to contact the Panterra office at info@panterra.com
or phone us at 1-800-665-6639.
For those of you who have participated in the program thank you for taking
the time to make a difference in the lives of the children and their
communities, in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
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