The Latin American Relief Network, Inc. (LARN) shipped a 40-ft container full of donated goods to Panama to complete Part 1 of this project. Sending volunteers to unpack and deliver the donations to at least six needy communities in rural Panama is Part 2. Extreme poverty is common in the remote regions of rural Panama, especially in indigenous communities--this project provides durable clothing and household supplies that are otherwise financially inaccessible to them.
LARN shipped 543 boxes of donated clothing, tools, household goods, and toys to Panama to complete Part 1 of this project. The cost of the same items--and/or the cost and logistics of getting to a store selling them--is often prohibitive for families in rural Panama. Additionally, they would pay 2-3 times extra for quality/durability comparable to what we can provide. However, we cannot get these donations to needy communities until we raise funds to distribute them.
This project will connect the donated items LARN has already shipped to Panama with needy communities in rural Cocle. Specifically, LARN will send US volunteers to join counterparts in Panama to distribute the donations currently stored in El Naranjal. By providing these goods, we often also provide a means for individuals to better their own circumstances and living conditions. The remaining funds required will cover gas, 4WD rental, food, etc., but will no longer subsidize volunteer travel.
This project will benefit hundreds of individuals in at least six remote rural communities in or near the province of Cocle. Clothing is a basic need; but providing certain types of clothing also allows the beneficiaries to attend school or apply for better jobs. The opportunities afforded by education and higher income can help lift a family out of poverty, increasing their health and well-being. Donated tools and household goods (i.e. pots, blankets, etc.) help families live more comfortably.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
