Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba will be in Fresno on Monday, July 9 in Margaret Hudson’s Big Barn and Garden. More on the event later. But for now below are some of the items that they are collecting for this year’s trip. Take a look at it and if you have any of these items contact Gioia Frank at factor_di@yahoo.com. Please note that Gioia is also looking for books in Spanish for someone going to Guatamala on an aid project.
What items should be sent?
Below is a summary of general aid needs in Cuba. When sending solidarity aid to Cuba, it is essential that all items collected must be new or in excellent condition, clean and rust-free. Do not donate items that are not in working condition. This is not an opportunity to clean out junk from garages or basements. If it’s not good enough for you and your family, don’t send it to our Cuban brothers and sisters.
The 23rd US-Cuba Friendshipment this July –
Will once again be giving particular priority to construction supplies to support Cuba’s efforts to tackle its housing shortage, which is exacerbated every time a hurricane hits the island.
WE PARTICULARLY NEED THE FOLLOWING CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES
Plumbing:
nuts, bolts, washers, rubber gaskets and all thread, pipe cutters, pipe vices, wrenches, toilets, sinks, faucets, CPVC plastic pipe fittings, drains and stoppers, pipes, shower fixtures, flusher valves
Carpentry
: nails, hammers, screws, power drills, flashing, wall anchors, saws and saw blades, banding tools, door hanging tools, ladders, jacks, plaster, sandpaper, levels, tape measures
Electrical
: any electrical wiring, fasteners, electrical boxes and covers, electrician tools, energy efficient lighting and bulbs, extension cords and adapters, generators, electric line testers, electrical tape
Masonry
: grouts, sealants, horizontal reinforcing, masonry admixtures, concrete, masonry hand tools (floats, trowels), chisels (wood and masonry)
Painting
: brushes, rollers, lead-free paint, brush extenders, paint plates
Protective Gear:
dust masks, work gloves, protective eyeglasses
What we take in general…
Vehicles:
School buses, ambulances, trucks, pick-ups, mobile libraries (bookmobiles) – diesel & stick shift preferred – in good condition and with at least several years of life left in them.
Computers:
IBM compatible computers with Pentium III or better processors, and all computer accessories/peripherals. Must be in full working order. All types of printers but especially Epson LX 300 and HP laser jet 1200
Educational supplies:
All types of educational materials including for writing on and with etc (but pen, pencils, paper etc must be new/unused)
Medical equipment/supplies/medicines:
All kinds if equipment in good working order, supplies sterile and supplies/medicines with expiry date Feb 1, 2012 or later
Books:
Medical and scientific textbooks and journals in Spanish or English
Alternative transportation/energy equipment:
e.g. Bicycles (good condition), solar panels
Sports/arts/cultural equipment:
All kinds if in good condition.
Musical Equipment:
Musical instruments especially, DJ equipment, sound equipment
Bibles:
All Bibles must be in Spanish.
Food:
Powdered milk, infant formula, dietary supplements – in original factory-sealed containers. .
Agricultural and car mechanics tools:
Tools must be in good condition or new.
Home supplies:
Factory new clothing in bulk quantities.
And what we don’t take …
because it is inappropriate or because Mexican customs won’t let it through
Anything that is not in good working order or is rusty
Medication and medical supplies that have already expired or will reach their expiry date before February 1, 2013
Medication and medical supplies that have been opened
Computers older than Pentium III (about 8 years old) or that are not IBM compatible
Books, in English or Spanish, that are not medical or scientific text books/journals
Any clothing, sheets, towels, etc. that aren’t new.
Used paper
Canned food
