I recently returned from a nine-day trip to Cuba with Intrepid Travel, centering a realistic and immersive tour through multiple cities in Cuba.
One thing that our guide showed us first-hand though our trip was how difficult getting basic materials can be for the Cuban people. Others on the tour had done research and found that bringing items with them to donate in Cuba was highly appreciated. By the end of the tour, I couldn't help but wish that I had filled my suitcase with items to donate, too.
Don't make my mistake: if you want to do good on your trip to Cuba in a safe, and beneficial way, this is the article for you!
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Why do Cubans need donations?
To make a long story short, and with oversimplifying politics, the U.S. embargo on Cuba has had a disproportionate affect on it's most vulnerable population. It's difficult for the country to purchase and import supplies and for other countries to sell supplies to them.
Those old classic cars you see in photos are not just for aesthetics—they're partially out of necessity.
Again, politics aside, the most remote and poorest of the Cuban people suffer. It's difficult for them to afford and physically access the simplest things such as clothes and medicine.,
Is it as simple as handing items out on the street?
No. It might feel as simple as walking into a street or neighborhood and handing out donations where you see they are needed, but it is not the smart decision.
It's not safe for you
Not with bad intentions, but out of true necessity, locals can accidentally overwhelm or intimidate tourists when doing such acts. Some bad actors might even follow you and harass you for more help.
The best way to donate much-needed items is through an on-the-ground charity or organization, or with the help of a local.
You won't reach the most in-need population
During my group trip with Intrepid, our guide advised us that she would hand them out to families and neighborhoods she personally knew in the more remote parts of the country as we traversed on the bus. I felt this was the best way to reach the people truly in need who didn't have the money or means to physically access resources like these.
Whatever way you go about it, make sure you do it in a smart and safe way. Instead consider donating too:
- Local Cuban NGOs (Cuba Libro or Insight Cuba)
- Schools
- Clinics
Research them ahead of time and send them an email to coordinate the best way to proceed.
What do Cubans need donated most
Medicine
- Acetametaphin (Tylenol, etc)
- Ibuprofun (Advil, Motrin, etc)
- Paracetamol
- TUMS, antacids, anti-diarrheals
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Hand sanitizer
- Band-Aids
- Antiseptic ointment
- Thermometers
- Alcohol pads
- Feminine hygiene products
- Antibiotics
- All medicines in general
School items
Second-hand clothing
- Sandals and sneakers (size 5-8)
- Blankets
- Long sleeve and short sleeve clothes
- Jackets
Games
- Playing cards
- Coloring books
- Tennis balls
- Dolls
- Reading books (Spanish)
- Make up kits
Other reputable resources
Have you donated to your local community lately? This is your sign to do so. ❤️
Always I feel good moment to give back to local communities when you're traveling. It helps us feel as though we are not just tourists, but intentional Travelers looking to leave a positive impact where we have some of our fondest vacation memories!
But there are people with similar needs in our own communities. I encourage you, if you're going to Cuba and feel your heart hold to bring donations to the Cuban people… To buy the same materials and gifts and donate them to your local community as well!
Find a homeless shelter or food bank. Donate art and student supplies to your local school or daycare.
Don't donate for one trip, for one moment, but instead look at your hometown as a destination where other travelers and tourists may visit and plant seeds of giving back in your own backyard.
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2 comments
We just returned from a 10 day trip to Havana. We left lots of school supplies with the family who lived next door to our Airbnb. Also on one of our excursions we went to a facility that serviced lots of kids. We were invited to one of their programs and left some supplies with them. Lots of opportunities to help if inclined
I like to find a family with children, an elderly couple or single person, or someone with a disability. So I would like to help someone in one of those situations i talked about.