Useful Websites
www.StuffYourRucksack.com is an England-based organization with a similar mission. It lists a variety of vetted organizations around the world you could consider contacting.
www.babelfish.com/free gives free translations.
www.embassy.org provides contact information for embassies in Washington, D.C.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_diplomatic_missions
www.diningforwomen.org supports grass-roots programs for women in some of the poorest countries in the world.
www.packforapurpose.org consists of 5 steps: 1. Select your organization (listed on the website); 2. Find a lodging and a project it supports; 3. Choose the supplies you wish to bring from the specific items requested; 4. Drop off the supplies at the lodging (you don’t have to be staying there); 5. They will be delivered for you.
Note: Pack for a Purpose is a worthwhile 501 (c) (3) organization that identifies organizations in the developing world and what they need and delivers your gifts for you, a time-saver for travelers who want to give gifts or money. This is similar to giving money or gifts in the U.S. to worthy nonprofits but not interacting with the recipient. If you want to experience first-hand the joy of seeing a child’s face change from shy to a shining smile, deliver your own gifts using PACforKids guidelines. This will involve some effort on your part, but our website explains how to do this and the emotional rewards you will feel.
Individual, worthy, not-for-profit organizations we have visited that have websites:
www.HomeFromHome.org.za (in Khaylitsha township near Cape Town, South Africa)
www.uhuru.de/TheNesthome/ (in Nairobi, Kenya)
www.SantaJulia.org (in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico)
www.casaaltorefugio.com (in Puebla, Mexico)
www.loveinactioncenter.org (in Chapala, Mexico).
www.sunshineproject-delhi.org (New Delhi, India)