Collecting Donated Goods
Collecting a variety of goods may seem overwhelming and yes, it can be. Keep in mind you do not have to provide every item. Help with what you can and what you want. We as a group will have so much collectively, you will be surprised. Pick an area of focus and go for it!
We will discuss the supply list at length on our conference calls.
What to Pack
Packing List for South Africa and most countries
Everyone will receive a Nurses with Purpose T-Shirt and name badge
We will go over country specific information on our conference calls
- 2-3 Navy Blue Scrubs:
- 2-3 Long sleeve shirts*
- Stethoscope, Mask
- Neck fan or portable fan *chargeable
- Jackets/Windbreaker/rain wear
- Jeans, Leggings, comfy clothes
- Comfortable Tennis Shoes
- Flip Flops/Shower Shoes
- One of the following: Satchel/Sling bag/Backpack/Fanny Pack
- Bag for lunch, water bottle, coffee or tea tumbler
- Safari Day Outfit *South Africa and Kenya only. Layers, it gets cold when the sun sets
- Excursion day outfit *We will go over excursions on country specific calls
- Night life outfit with a pair of heels *optional
- Bathing Suit *Weather & time permitting
- Gym clothes *For those who elect to work out
- Celebration of Service Week Dinner Outfit *Will discuss on country specific calls our theme. South Africa mission groups will have an opportunity to shop for affordable pieces at the market.
- Rubber shoe covers *We walk on dirt roads, running water or in case it rains
- Wash cloths *Hotel only provides bath towels ppl tend to forget this
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Hat
- Insect repellent
- Ear Plugs & Eye Mask
- Neck Pillow
- Compression Socks
- Universal Charger Country Specific *DON'T FORGET THIS! US prongs do not fit in ports. Purchase on Amazon or visit the NWP MERCH store
PACKING Tips:
- 2 Large suitcases are typically allowed for international flights *Check with your airliner for baggage allowance
- Bag 1 Your personal luggage
- Bag 2 Donations
- Carry on bag * please pack at least 2 days of clothing here in case your luggage gets delayed.
- Personal bag (purse or backpack)
Most airlines allows 50lb weight limit. Please check with your airliner.
Active Military or retirees are eligible for extra baggage waivers
In 2020 the baggage waiver for humanitarian projects were discontinued. However, there is a possibility if you call the airliner after you have booked your ticket and inform the rep of your participation in our outreach, they will make note on your reservation. Once you get to the ticket counter, your bags will be waived if you go over. This is not a guaranteed but a word of suggestion from a Delta representative.
Weather:
We will discuss country specific weather conditions on our conference calls
South Africa weather is very fickle yet very mild and tolerable. It can change drastically such as being hot to cooling down very quickly and afternoon thunderstorms. It is best to have a variety of clothing and layer.
Guatemala Packing list
Packing list is the same as the above for South Africa with the following:
- Mirror with light
- Fan
- Cooling towel/Tog
- Rain Jacket and shoe covers
- Celebration of service week dinner outfits for Guatemala may have vibrant colors such as burnt orange, hot pink, blue, purples, florals, ect
- Shower essentials, towel, washcloths, shower shoes, shower caddy ect.
- No universal charger is needed (same outlets as the US)
- Guatemala is very warm and humid, with some cool evenings after a rain
- Games or fun challenges for the end of the day fellowship
Donations: Medication
Ibuprofen
Tylenol
Oral Analgesic
Mucinex/decongestant
Vitamins magnesium potassium
Tums
Omeprazole
Cough drops
Cold & Cough
MiraLAX
Imodium
Zyrtec
Benadryl cream
Hydrocortisone cream
Electrolyte powder (caffeine free )
Shampoo for lice
Antifungals
Allergy/Antihistamines
Monistat
Triple a batteries
Any children's medication
Children’s multivitamin
Multivitamins
Purifying tablets for water
Eye drops
Nasal Drops
Lidocaine patches
Pre natal vitamins
Donations: Clinic
- Safety Lancets
- Glucometers and matching test strips
- Automatic BP cuffs
- Automatic Thermometers
- Gloves all sizes
- Mask
- Pregnancy Test
- COVID-19 Test
- HIV Test
- Condoms
- Reading Glasses
- Chucks/Bed pads
Donations: Essential Items
- Toothbrush/paste
- Hair comb/brush/Hair accessories
- Nail clippers/files/Nail Polish
- Toiletries/Lotion, Deodorant
- Feminine products (pads only)
- Undergarments
- Socks, baseball hats
- Earrings
- Toys, Balls, Jump rope, playing cards
- Candy
- Coloring books, crayons, pencils, paper (school supplies)
- Paperback books
- Head phones
- Hair products (moisturizers, bonnets, shower caps, braiding hair, wave caps ect.)
* Don't forget the Boys!
Medicals Supplies for YOU:
Nurses with Purpose provides PPE for all volunteers, but as a precaution please bring your own supply for emergencies.
- Gloves
- N95 Mask or simple mask
- Anti-diarrheal's, anti-histamine, sleep aids, throat lozenges, Pepto-bismol, pain meds and Dramamine
- Moisturizing nasal spray
We will discuss the supply list at length on our conference calls.
Tips for Travel: Pre-Board, Safety and Security
*Wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands often
*Print out the NWP Customs Letter of Exemption & have it with you. If you are traveling to one of the countries that require a Visa, print out the Invitational Letter from our host and carry both with you.
*Keep your passport and ID with you at all times
*Make copies of your passport, ID, and credit card Information, (front and Back) bring 1 copy with you and have a copy of an efile
*Prescription medications needs to be clearly labeled and in its original container
*Suggest packing any valuables such as jewelry, money, documents in your carry-on luggage
* Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, ice cubes and street food vendors.
*Download a currency converter on your phone
*Credit/Debit Cards may be used at establishments but it is recommended that you use cash when in the market place, and in select local stores. Notify your bank of your travel plans
*You may request Foreign currency from your bank at least 3 weeks prior to departure
*Keep your phone secure and away from plain site. Back pockets are a NO NO!!
* Always have someone with you when using the ATM.
*Compression Stockings: Due to prolonged inactivity from flight, suggest to wear to prevent DVT, swelling in legs, leg fatigue and varicose veins
*Appropriate exercise on the plane: Foot pedals and pumps, stand and stretch every 2-4 hours
*Hydrate, Exercise & get enough rest: Begin months prior to departure to ensure well being during trip
Learn More
We monitor news and consular messages of state, national, and international levels. We empower you to do the same. To view the most current travel advisories issued by the US Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs click here