Though all gifts are well received, many don’t understand which items are needed. For instance, bandaids aren’t a much-needed item. Please review this “living-list” and consider packing an extra bag or which items can fit in your luggage. All items should be shelf-stable.
One thing to consider is the space/cost relationship. For instance, powdered milk is in high demand. However, the cost per gram in Habana is typically the same as on Amazon. In this case, a financial donation makes more sense than packing a pound of powdered milk.
Medicines
- Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, Excedrin (or generic)
- Multivitamins (kids, adults, +50, prenatals)
- Supplements (Iron, other vitamins, melatonin, omega, etc.)
- Antibiotics
- Electrolyte powders
- Cold medicine (Nyquil, Dayquil, Pepto, Theraflu)
- Allergy medicine (Benadryl)
- Any of the above, but in liquid form for CHILDREN
- Iodine
- Bedsore/wound care creams and supplies
- Menthol gel/cream (Bengay)
- Inhalers
- ***Any prescription medications, depending on what your country of origin allows.
Food
- Nuts
- Goya – Anything – Chorizo is much prized
- Beef/Chicken/Lamb/Pork bullion
- Granola Bars
- Coffee
- Cutting Boards
Materials
- Reusable Shopping Bags
- Sandpaper
- Drill Bits
- Saw Blades
- Solder
- Fishing Supplies (Hooks, Floats, monofilament)
- Shoes
- Sheets/Towels
- Bicycles
For Children
- Notebooks
- Crayons/Markers/Chalk
- Backpacks
- Small Toys
- Dolls
- Playdoh
Medical supplies
- Needles and syringes (all gauges)
- Gloves
- Thermometers (glass preferred)
- Manual blood pressure cuffs
- All types of gauze and dressings (non-sterile and sterile)
- IV catheters and tubing
- Urinary catheters
- Oxygen nasal cannulas
- Diabetic supplies (glucose monitors, strips, insulin syringes, medications)
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs
- Compression Socks
Hygiene Products
- Dental Products (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)
- Menstrual products (menstrual cups, tampons, pads)
- Condoms
- Adult and children’s diapers
- Deodorant
- Soap/Shampoo
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hot water bottle
- Hair Brushes/combs
- Reading glasses
- Polarized Sunglasses
Electronics
- Power bank/Battery Backup
- Thumb drives
- Surge protectors
- Extension cords
- Batteries
- Rechargeable Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Computers
- Unlocked Phones – Android is preferred
- iPads