When you take your selected supplies, you can drop them at your accommodation or with your tour company knowing they will be delivered directly to the project. The lists have been well-researched and unrequested items, even with the best of intentions, are largely inappropriate for the communities and are likely to have few short-term and no long-term benefits.

Check with your travel advisor or airline to determine the current luggage allowance to your destination.

For Custom rules and regulations, check with the Embassy from the country you plan to visit. Or you can check with the specific accommodation/tour company that you plan to stay at or use. They should be aware of the current rules at the specific time you are traveling.

Some participants may provide an option to buy supplies locally. This information will be posted on their individual page. We support buying locally whenever possible.

To save space, take the items out of their original packaging and place in the lightest paper or fabric resealable bags. Many countries have now banned plastic bags (even reusable).

The following items should be kept in their original packaging: crayons, chalk, and colored pencils. Plastic and wooden rulers should be wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent breaking. Games should be left in their original packages.

Be sure to check the Customs regulations of the country you are visiting if you plan to take any requested medications. Some over-the-counter medications are not allowed. Any medicines that you take should have an expiration date at least eight months after the time you are taking them.

Expensive items such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, etc., should be put in plastic or fabric resealable bags and packed in your carry-on luggage.

The following new items should be taken out of their original packaging and placed in the lightest possible paper or fabric resealable bags: Band-Aids, bandages and any other items where the weight would be reduced by eliminating the original packaging. Many countries have now banned plastic bags (even reusable).

Soccer balls should be deflated by moistening an inflation needle and carefully inserting it into the valve. After the needle is inserted, gently apply pressure to the ball until it is deflated. Remove the needle and tape it to the deflated ball. The deflated balls can be stacked to save space. Each deflated soccer ball will weigh about 1 lb (0.45 kg).

Pro Tip: Pack all supply items so they can be easily located and removed from your luggage upon arrival and make drop-off one of the first things you do a when you are arriving at your destination.