At least once a week I get emails from people coming to Costa Rica wondering how it is they can help. They are often willing to bring down things to donate. So I thought I’d create a post with a bit more information in the event you — or someone you know — is coming to visit soon. Perhaps you’d consider packing a couple of extra things for those in need?

One amazing organization is called "El Puente — The Brigde." They
are located in the Puerto Viejo area of Costa Rica on the Caribbean side. They offer educational assistance, food, and microloans mainly to indigenous people in Costa Rica. Their goal is to help families and individuals become self-sufficient. Here is a direct link to their "Wish List." There are many small, innexpensive items that you could bring which would be very helpful. For instance there are some new flashlights available that don’t need batteries. They run between $10 and $25 each. This kind of a gift to an indigenous person is invaluable, as they don’t have electricity in the mountains where they live.

If you are not going to be traveling in their area, please contact me and I will arrange to pick up your items and deliver them for you. But if you have the chance, try to stop by and see the operation they are running. You will be more than impressed!