We have put a lot of thought into this list. Every item we are collecting is for a reason. We have very limited baggage space, so we we're going for big-impact items that pack light.
For heavy items like formula, we are asking for cash. That way we can purchase formula and other items in Ethiopia (helping their local stores and economy) and purchase a greater quantity than we could have carried in our luggage.
We want everyone to get involved in this! We can not collect too much. We have two trips with four 50 pound suitcases each trip. So, please forward this information, get your friends involved, get your church or workplace involved, spread it on Facebook, whatever! We want everyone to get involved!!
- Shoes We would like to bring new (or like new) tennis shoes in children's sizes. Often times the children in the orphanages only have Crocs (with holes worn through the bottom) or sandals and we would like to bring them new leather or canvas tennis shoes. The same quality of shoe that we would put on our own child. Remember when you're shopping, there are big kids in the orphanages too!
- Waterproof Crib Mattress Covers
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Vitamin D Drops and Iron Drops (for Infants)
- Diaper Rash Ointment
- Scrubs for nurses and nannies
- Powder-Free Gloves
- Antibacterial Hand Gel (40 oz. container at WalMart for $5)
- Toys Puzzles for young children, Toy cars and trucks for toddler-age children, toys to stimulate infants (that are not cotton-based) such as colorful objects, rattles, etc.
- Multi-Vitamins Tri-vi-sol (0-6 months); Poly-vi-sol (6 months - 2 years); Chewable multi-vitamins (2 years - 9 years); Adult multi-vitamins (9 years plus)
- Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Infants; Children's; Suppository
- Syringes for giving medicines (5mL)
- Baby Nose Saline Spray
- Neosporin
- Mouth and Nose Masks
- Benadryl Liquid/Elixir
- Permetherin (for Scabies)
- Lice Kits
- Twin Bedsheets
- Special Request: There is currently a child on the AWAA waiting child list who walks with a cane. He can not run and play with the other children. He is 15 years old. We would love to bring him some special things just for him that he can do while sitting. (i.e. games, cards, puzzles, etc...) Keep in mind the items must not take up much space in a suitcase.
You can continue collecting indefinitely, but if you want the items to make it on our first trip to Ethiopia, we must have the items by Friday, April 6th.
We will be delivering donations to the AWAA transition home, Kids Care orphanage in Addis Ababa, Abeneezer Orphanage in Harar, and AHOPE for Children- a home for HIV positive children in Addis Ababa.
And because every post needs a picture...
The Anderson family sent us this picture of our pretty little girl's piggies.