I'm a person who loves Bonaire & its people, & am looking for someone to take donated children's clothing from Boston to the Sister Maria Hoppner Foundation. I'll make it easy for you -- will deliver an unsealed box (so you can see it's just children's clothing) to you anywhere in the Boston area, & arrange for someone to pick it up at Flamingo airport. I've done this before (tho not for a few years) & it works easily. Please consider helping -- I can't get there til at least spring!

 

Sharon,

I wish I could help but next time I head there I am laden with WAYY too much. I am sure someone will step up to help. What a lovely gesture.

Ann

Sharon,
Is it possible that the clothes would all fit in an inexpensive duffle bag that you could provide. I do not know what the rules are about checking in boxes at AJ--- I am heading down in mid Nov.

Jan

Hi Jan,
I'm trying to keep this as a zero-cost operation. I'm just one person who sends down a lot ot clothes. And the volume & weight of the clothes adds up, so one duffel wouldn't do much.

I happened to check the baggage allowance for American Airlines today. Here's what their Web site says (& I confirmed it with AA that this is true from Boston to Bonaire):
The maximum amount of baggage EACH ticketed passenger is allowed free of charge is:
* 2 pieces checked plus one carry-on (plus another carry-on personal item -- like purse, briefcase or laptop).
The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height.
* Two checked pieces at 62 in. each (like 22 x 20 x 20” = big!). Max. wt. = 70 lbs each.
* One carry-on bag at 45 in. (like 22 x 14 x 9”). Max weight per carry-on = 40 lbs.

I can fit a lot into a 20x20x20" box! (Oops, I buy these boxes, so I guess it's not totally cost-free.)
I briefly looked at AJ Web site & couldn't find baggage info. But if it's something you'd like to do, I can research it further. Just let me know.
Thanks, Sharon

Please note, AA often has embargos on boxes..in other words certain times of the year they will NOT allow cardboard boxes. Usually around the holidays.

Ann

Sharon,

Ann is correct; I have had that problem. I believe they can tell you on the phone or web. I twice have had to buy bags for boxes at Kennedy, once with A¥A and once with ALM (through KLM). Even doing good work isn't easy. :–)

As a thought, can Support Bonaire help in this???

Sharon,
What I was trying to figure out -- was how much clothing you had... If it can fit in a regualtion carry on( I have an exrta one)--- I could do it.... I would check this piece in and then on the way home just fill it with whatever or bring it home empty..... I am 30 miles south of Boston... Let me know

How about a light weight duffle bag to send the clothes down in that can be folded and put into a regular bag for return, that can then be returned to Sharon for the next lot??

Hi Jan -
Carry-ons are pretty small, so I'd estimate I have about 6-8 carry-ons worth ready to go to Bonaire. Would you be able to deliver stuff yourself to the Hoppner Foundation -- on the outskirts of Kralendijk? You could meet the adorable kids, if you'd like.

Sharon,
I guess I under estimated the amount of clothes that you have. A carry on is = to about 2,700 cubic inces of space...and a 20x20x20= 8,000 cubic inches. I would rather be able to put it a suitcase than a box--- easier to travel with. I am also heading back down in Feb 2004 -- so I would be able to bring some more clothes then. There must be someone else out there that is willing to help out a good cause. I would also deliver the clothes myself---as a good friend of mine who will be on island helps out ocassionaly preparing meals, and will show me how to get there. Contact me by direct email and we should be able to figure out something. Just make sure you put something in the header section like Bonaire---

Sharon, I usually fly from Hartford but will be flying from Boston for the Christmas holidays and would be willing to help. However, I too have had experience with the box embargo at the holidays so would prefer to deal with a duffle that could be returned to you. Recently took several large duffles of clothing to Belize with no problems. We do not live in the Boston area so getting the items to us might pose a problem but feel free to email me if you still need help.

Hi Jan & Susan, Glen & Ann - You guys are great!
At first I thought duffels would be too small, but I've just learned they make VERY large, yet pretty lightweight & cheap ones. So if people were willing to somehow get it back to me, the duffel idea would work.
And I was unaware of the possible cardboard box problem, having taken two 20x20x20 boxes myself with no hassle. So thanks for warning me. I hope an airline would give me a straight answer about that if I called & asked prior to a trip, though, so I haven't ruled out boxes.
Another thought: I am reluctant to trouble someone in Bonaire to meet a flight if it is for just a small amount. But if people can deliver stuff to Hoppner themselves, I'm happy to send whatever they can deliver.
Jan & Susan - I'm sure we can figure something out. I'll e-mail you directly.
Glen - Sorry your trip with Marty on Monday got cancelled!
Thanks, Sharon

Sharon,
People can always drop stuff off at my house if they are having problems finding Hoppner or if it would just be easier for them. I'm on the way to all the northern dive sites :-). I'd be happy to take the clothes over to Hoppner.

Sharon...As usual,I can help pick at the airport or folks can leave stuff at TCB with Delno, at Chat n Browse or at Lindas.

Hi Michael -
Great to hear from you! Too long no see. I was trying not to "out" you as being the *extraordinarily helpful angel* who meets flights for Hoppner deliveries. But since you've stepped forward, I can publicly THANK you! (especially for that time you were there waiting at Flamingo airport when my plane was sooo late -- like 2 am or some ungodly hour!)
I'll try not to take advantage of your kindness. Whenever people can take things to Hoppner or TCB or Linda's, I'll encouage them to do so.
xoxoxoxo, Sharon

Thanks so much for your offer, Linda! The Hoppner Foundation is a little difficult to find the first time. (We never have a car on Bonaire, so took a taxi, which didn't know where the center was.)
For everyone's information, the center is in Nikiboro, about 2 miles north of the center of Kralendijk, at Kaya Tanki di Matrimonio 30.
Or, as Michael said above, you can also bring things to Delno Tromp at the Tourist Board or to Chat 'n' Browse.

Hi again everybody -- I guess I want to add that I collect clothes because that's what I have access to. A friend of mine runs a local thrift shop that sets aside children's summer clothes for me. I also talked my local pharmacy into donating unsold children's flip-flops at the end of the summer.
If you'd like to also donate stuff, the center actually has a greater need for:
* personal care items, like toothbrushes & paste, soap, etc. (My dentist donated children's brushes & toothpaste.)
* laundry soap
* bed sheets (twin or single)
* sturdy, long shower curtains
* window curtains (light-blocking, washable)
* PC computers
* toys & picture books (After a book sale ended at my local library, they let me take all the kids' books I wanted.) Picture books are best, since the children don't speak English.
* sports equipment, especially for baseball, soccer & windsurfing.
So feel free to use your imagination about how/where to collect donations, & to bring stuff on your own.
Bless you all, Sharon

Hi, Sharon:

I'm heading down on 21 Nov. from Cambridge, MA. I can help with some of it, depending on how much other stuff I have to lug down. I'll have a truck in Bonaire and can drop it off as necessary. I'm coming in late so it might be a pain for a pickup at the airport.

Thanks, Lee -
I'll e-mail you off-line, so we can figure out a convenient place to meet. - Sharon