SOLEQ.travel
Project
The “Refugio de Los Sueños” (Refuge of Dreams) is a refuge where children come to escape the dangers of the streets. Most of these children suffer from severe abuse from the alcoholics, prostitutes and drug addicts who are the adults in their lives. Others simply suffer from severe poverty. The Refugio de Los Sueños offers them a safe haven. They are fed, taught life skills, get vocational training, have an opportunity to receive a scholarship to go to school, receive much needed therapy by professionals and both medical and dental care. Most importantly, they receive love at the Refugio.
Needs
General School Supplies:
Book Bags, Chalk, College-Ruled Paper, Colored Construction Paper, Colored Pencils, Compasses, Crayons, Markers, Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, Pens, and Solar Calculators
Reference Materials:
(English and Spanish) Dictionaries
Text/Reading Books:
(Spanish) Age-Appropriate Story Books, Biology, General Science, Health, Language/Grammar, and Math
Educational Games/Toys:
Bananagrams, Board Games and Educational Games for Ages 5+, Connect Four, Scrabble, Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys, and Puzzles
Music Instruments:
Harmonicas/Kazoos, Maracas, Recorders, Triangles, and Xylophones
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Frisbees, Hula Hoops, Inflation Pumps, Jump Ropes, Netball/Basketballs, Ping Pong Rackets and Balls, and Soccer Balls
Clothing/Shoes:
Children’s Costumes, New or Gently Used Children’s Clothing and Shoes, New Socks, New Underwear, and Sunglasses
Linens:
Bath Towels
Kitchen:
Bowls, Pans, Plastic Serving Bowls, Plastic Serving Cups, Plastic Serving Plates, Pots, Serving Spoons, and Spatulas
Health/Personal Grooming:
Bars of Soap, Hair Brushes, Hair Pins and Elastic Hair Bands, Multivitamin Tablets, Plastic Gloves, Shampoos, Toothbrushes, and Toothpaste
Art Supplies for Artist Initiatives and Community-Produced Projects:
Acrylic Brushes and Paints, Beads for Bead Work, Children’s Face Paint, Craft Glue, Craft Scissors, Earring Hooks, Glass Beads for Bead Work, Loom Rubber Bands, Watercolor Brushes and Paints, and Wool
Gardening:
Gardening Gloves, Hand Fork, and Spades
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
