Donating shoes or clothes in Cozumel

[macmark]

My wife and I find ourselves with a lot of extra room in our luggage on our upcoming trip to Cozumel May 25th to 31st. Is there a "Goodwill" type organization in Cozumel that takes donations of good quality used shoes and clothes? We would like to bring some stuff down if there is still a need and I'm sure we aren't the only divers who would would like to bring some donations for the residents of the island. Of course, we won't forget to stop by the Humane Society while we are there. Mark & Karen

 

[DandyDon]

I'm withdrawing my suggestions as the other replies seem more on target than I was - ooops, sorry!

 

[pidgiepoo]

Don't know which op you are diving with, but Dive With Martin will take a bag of clothing/shoes for their Share with Martin program in exchange for doing something nice for you...like one free dive or a special request when possible. They especially like the bags of children's shoes we took last visit. Check out their website
Dive with Martin.com under Share with Martin part.

 

[Sue Sue]

You may want to try the Chrysalis group as well as the humane society.

I know that have yard/tag sales to raise money for the students tuition and supplies. Families are able to purchase items their children need at a low cost and the students get tuition and school supply assistance as well.

Also, the humane society may do the same.

The Cozumel Chrysalis Group

Cozumel Mexico humane society photos and information

 

[lisa4516]

We left our donations with the housekeeper at the Reef Club, asking her to give them to the church. We do this every year. We volunteer at a thrift shop up here on Hilton Head Island during the winter.We buy our resort wear there and then donate it in Cozumel when we are ready to leave.

 

[deborahdelamar]

Hola, everyone. Don sent me a PM about this thread -- thanks, Don -- and I also received a similar request yesterday from ex-pats livng in Cozumel who say that things are very bad for the locals. I will call the Red Cross today to learn of any new relief efforts or groups.

Until I have a better answer (if there is one), I suggest that you give clothing or shoes to any of the churches for their worshipers, rather than giving to an organization that will sell these things at a bazaar later on. A very active & charitable group is out of Jesus es Rey church on Ave. 65 -- I think at the corner of Morelos but I'll check -- it's south of the Caracol for sure.

If you have time to distribute on your own, you can poke around and ask who needs or go to neighborhoods such as those just east of Ave. 30 between Calle 23 and the DIF, south near the Humane Society, east on the airport road to Las Fincas, etc.

Thanks to all of you for anything you might do.

 

[deborahdelamar]

A little more info -- I think news will drift in slowly. There are several classes of "needs" right now. Due to the flu, not only are the traditionally poor suffering but also people who have been laid off from their jobs. What everyone really needs is food and, very specifically, powdered baby formula which is a big-ticket item in Cozumel. There are food-stamp and a small, federally-funded food distribution program but most folks don't qualify for these. If any of you are willing to buy canned fish, rice, beans, cooking oil, masa, baby formula, diapers, caldo de pollo, tomato puree, pasta for soup, peanut butter, jelly, instant coffee, sugar, milk, etc. (things that have long shelf lives) for distribution these are the basics that most people need during hard times. Better to donate products to individuals rather than money. I'm working with the Red Cross & others to see who can handle such food distributions.

 

[Christi]

A little more info -- I think news will drift in slowly. There are several classes of "needs" right now. Due to the flu, not only are the traditionally poor suffering but also people who have been laid off from their jobs. What everyone really needs is food and, very specifically, powdered baby formula which is a big-ticket item in Cozumel. There are food-stamp and a small, federally-funded food distribution program but most folks don't qualify for these. If any of you are willing to buy canned fish, rice, beans, cooking oil, masa, baby formula, diapers, caldo de pollo, tomato puree, pasta for soup, peanut butter, jelly, instant coffee, sugar, milk, etc. (things that have long shelf lives) for distribution these are the basics that most people need during hard times. Better to donate products to individuals rather than money. I'm working with the Red Cross & others to see who can handle such food distributions.

Deborah - if it helps, you can use my shop as a drop-off spot. I will make sure that donations get to local churches, Red Cross, or other organizations as people request.

The best time for drop-offs is between M - F from 4 and 7pm and Sat noon to 5pm as that's when someone is guaranteed to be in the shop. Outside of these hours we are constantly in and out.

My shop address is Calle 5, #400-B
Between Melgar (waterfront) and Ave. 5

 

[Sue Sue]

Deborah,

I have noticed that prices for some items are very high in the stores in Cozumel. What items on the list you mention would be better purchased in the US and brought along due to cost? The savings by buying in US as opposed to the stores there, even with an additional luggage fee if needed, may actually be cheaper which would allow more items to be brought. And, is there a maximum dollar amount for new items that can be brought into Mexico? Also, thanks for your input regarding the clothing donations. Sue

 

[DandyDon]

Interesting point Sue. Customs and Mexican regulations might come into play, but then - you asked the right lady.