From Travelers
Maria’s Story
I was so excited to learn about Pack For a Purpose when getting ready for our vacation to Turks and Caicos. I found the information when researching our resort, Ocean Club West. I took advantage of back to school sales before we left Texas. I’ve spent the past 31 years teaching elementary school. I know... Continue reading
The Castelli Family’s Story
When we first booked our trip to Turks & Caicos, we were excited to learn about the Pack for a Purpose program. Our children are entering 5th & 6th grade and this was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the importance of giving back to the community, even while traveling abroad. Our children are both fortunate... Continue reading
Mark Thacker’s Journey to the Board
The feature story below was written by Rob Lelio as part of an assignment for The Selling Power of Storytelling class, Spring 2021, at St. John Fisher College. Doctor Monica A. Hodis, Associate Professor of Marketing, selected Pack for a Purpose as a client for her class. Rob Lelio chose Mark Thacker as the person... Continue reading
Leilena and Ian’s Story – Carry-On to Cabo
My husband and I first learned about Pack for a Purpose in 2019 as we researched safari lodging in Krueger National Park, South Africa. Reading about the accommodation’s partnership with Pack for a Purpose as well as their own charitable initiative, Pride ‘n Purpose made our decision to stay at Ulusaba an easy one. Ian... Continue reading
The Feil Family Story
Our family visited Tanzania in East Africa between June 3-17, 2021. We were grateful for the Pack for a Purpose program and the opportunity to support local schools safely during the global pandemic. Thank you for this tremendous program! Jill Feil with her family and their supplies We dropped off two backpacks filled with school... Continue reading
Sherry’s Story
I had the privilege of some rewarding experiences in donating art and recreation supplies for a helpful project for The Children of Promise in New York City. I enjoyed taking the subway with my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter from Brooklyn into Manhattan to the exciting area of Times Square. A nearby hotel, The Chatwal, graciously... Continue reading
Katie’s Story
My colleagues and I travel yearly to Belize (except this last year sadly) and work closely with conservation groups and the Belize Zoo. The Belize Zoo is a drop off point for this program. We contacted our donors and brought 11 backpacks stuffed with supplies for local schools in January 2020. We are mainly a... Continue reading
My Commitment to My Wife and Our Desire to Help Others Led Me to the PfaP Board
Obi Mukabiko, our safari guide in South Luangwa Zambia, said to me, “What Pack for a Purpose is doing is different. We have many volunteers from The US who come to help us. They always teach our fishermen a different way to fish. The fishermen do it until the volunteers leave, and then they go... Continue reading
Krista’s Story
I am a Travel Agent in upstate New York. My husband and I love traveling to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Last year while visiting Mexico we became friends with one of the bartenders who worked for the resort. He told us their work schedules and how they literally only make a few dollars a... Continue reading
PfaP Travelers Take a Hike in Guatemala to Make a Big Impact
A few years ago, my partner Courtney and I stumbled across a travel blog that explained and encouraged fellow travelers to become a part of Pack for a Purpose. Intrigued and curious to learn more, we clicked on the link and read mission statements and real stories of travelers. We immediately fell in love with... Continue reading