In the past, I have used a balakbayan box service to send larger quantities of items to the children’s home. They were expensive but the boxes were there in 5-6 weeks.
In November, I shipped a box with a new company that was less expensive. I didn’t realize that they would have a longer shipping time.
March 12th, exactly 4 months to the day after I dropped off the box for shipment, it arrived at the children’s home. I had just gotten online to chat with them when I got an excited message, “There is a box up at the highway and we need to find someone to help get it here.
Some of the items in the box were school supplies, Christmas gifts, a battery powered lantern with rechargeable batteries and a charger. There were also 1 gallon Ziploc bags for each of the families that contained personal care items such as shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, new heavy duty towels, and similar items. Someone had donated a quantity of feminine products that they appreciated.
One of the usual items that were included in every box are treatment kits and combs for head lice. It is a constant struggle for the children to keep that in check. They certainly appreciate the shampoo because to economize, Inday uses laundry soap when she washes their hair.
There was additionally the standard vitamins, supplements, and first aid items. With that many young children, it is an item that is used in high volume.
All in all, even though it was past Christmas, they were still thrilled to each get their portion.
Next time, I will know to allow a much more generous time allowance for shipping.
Leave a Reply