BajaNomad

Mexico refuses Miss Valentine and a truckload of 869 pairs of donated shoes

bajabound2005 - 4-28-2008 at 07:06 AM

Mexico refuses Miss Valentine and a truckload of 869 pairs of donated shoes


By Sarah Bultema
The Reporter-Herald

For eight years Jeanette Rojas held onto a dream to bring shoes to the impoverished children of Mexico. For one month, after being chosen as Miss Loveland Valentine, she began collecting shoes for the Mexican families that couldn’t afford them.

For 12 hours, she and her family drove south to the border with a truckload full of the 869 donated pairs.

For one day, she waited in Mexican customs for the approval to cross the border.

But that’s where her journey came to a screeching halt.

Why? Because a bureaucrat said so.

“Our turn came and she just said no,” explained Jeanette, who is now back in Loveland along with the boxes of shoes.

“She said there was no way we could bring them in and there was nothing we could do.”

Now, after discussions with the representatives at the Mexican consulate in Denver, the Rojases have learned they were possibly denied bringing in the shoes because some of them were made in China.

Mexico has banned the import of Chinese products because the two countries compete for labor costs, explained Laszlo Kalloi, consul for community affairs at the Mexican consulate in Denver.

However, he did not understand why the import officer did not allow the American-made shoes through.

“If there were any kinds of restrictions, we would know about it,” he said.

Kalloi did note, though, that the Mexican import office is run by a totally different part of the government than the consulate.

“The way they handle themselves and they way they work — they have their own rules,” he said.

Kalloi said he will investigate the issue and find out what happened.

“I wish I could give you an answer,” he said. “We’re going to figure everything out and make it happen.”

While the reasons as to why she was unable to bring the shoes into the country remain unclear, Jeanette said she will not let down everyone in Loveland who donated shoes or the Mexican children who need them.

“I don’t accept failure,” she said.

“Maybe the timing was off. But it’s going to happen.”

Jeanette began collecting shoes in March, hoping to bring as many as she could to Mexican children whose families could not afford them on their own.

It was a dream she’d hoped to see become a reality since a drive through Mexico eight years ago when Jeanette witnessed what the children go through firsthand.

“The street was burning (a child’s) feet. You could see the pain, and it just broke my heart,” she said in a previous interview.


Over the next month, Jeanette collected nearly 900 pairs of donated shoes from the community, coming home from school each day to find bags of them on her doorstep and checks to buy more in the mail, she said.

During the Mountain View High School senior’s spring break, Jeanette and her family packed her father’s truck with the boxes of shoes and began the drive to the Mexican border.

When they arrived, the Rojases declared the import, just to be safe. That’s when an import officer told them they could not continue.

The reasons varied, from citing a required tax on each pair to a recent amendment banning the import of all American goods into Mexico.

Kalloi said he has not heard of these restrictions, and did not know why the officer denied their entry.

And like the consul, Jeanette and her mother, Antonia Rojas, were confused.

They had spoken with the Mexican consulate before their trip and gotten the OK. They had made sure each pair was new, as the import law required. They even had a letter from the small village’s church that would be receiving the shoes, proving they wouldn’t be sold.

But the officer didn’t budge, and with Mexican soldiers and tanks stationed around the building, Antonia said they didn’t want to argue or take any chances.

“I sat down and I cried,” Jeanette said. “It was one of the worst feelings. Worse than anything I’ve ever experienced in my 18 years.”

While the Mexican consul didn’t have a clear answer why they couldn’t pass, the Rojases have their own thoughts as to why they were held up.

Antonia speculated the import officer may have wanted a bribe for passage. Jeanette thought it may have been some pride at stake.

“It’s really kind of a slap in the face when an 18-year-old knocks on the government’s door and says ‘You know, you’re neglecting this, you’re oppressing this,’” she said, later adding, “Mexico’s not bad. It’s their own government oppressing them, hurting them.”

The family drove the boxes back into America, dropping them off at a cousin’s house near the border, before continuing into Mexico empty-handed.

“The hardest part was the trips downtown and seeing barefoot children, knowing we had 800 pairs of shoes that would fit them,” Antonia said.

For Jeanette, her initial sorrow surrounding the situation was followed by anger, her mother said. But soon, determination kicked in.

“Nothing fuels me more than people telling me no,” Jeanette said.

And she hoped Loveland and everyone who donated shoes would keep believing in her.

“We need them to trust us to persevere,” she said.

“Shoes don’t spoil. ... There’s still going to be a need. It’s going to be OK.”

Pescador - 4-28-2008 at 10:15 AM

My, my, my, and this girl is from my hometown.

BMG - 4-28-2008 at 11:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005

Now, after discussions with the representatives at the Mexican consulate in Denver, the Rojases have learned they were possibly denied bringing in the shoes because some of them were made in China.



What percentage of shoes aren't made in China nowadays?

Bureaucrats! :fire:

bajabound2005 - 4-28-2008 at 12:20 PM

and why is almost everything we see in all the stores in Mexico labeled HECHO EN CHINA

lingililingili - 4-28-2008 at 12:38 PM

How about those stickers "Hecho en Mexico" that are placed over top of "Made in China"?

NAFTA???

thebajarunner - 4-28-2008 at 12:45 PM

Isn't it curious....
Just a couple days ago Presidente Calderon was pleading for the retention of NAFTA.
I always thought that the acronym included "free trade"
Guess that proves how little we common people understand about all this.
"Free" for whom?

Lauriboats - 4-28-2008 at 01:07 PM

Very sad indeed.

Gadget - 4-28-2008 at 01:22 PM

Last year we had a clothes drive at our church. A missionary in TJ set up a clothes distribution and BBQ outreach for one of the poorest eastern barrios. A bunch of men from our church loaded up vans and trucks full of food and clothes and headed south.

I was riding with a guy in his van that had never been across the border. We were denied entry in the declara lane and told we had to cross at Otay. We drove to Otay and declared our van full of used clothes for the poor and homeless. Nope, can't bring used clothes into Mexico and why were you sent here, they know that at San Ysidro also.

The guard opened the gate to return to the US, we pulled through and over to the side of the waiting cars, opened all the doors of the van and unloaded every bag and box to the poor folks working the cars in line for handouts. All in clear view of the guards who just turned us around. :biggrin:

We headed back for TJ and the task at hand. We were the only load that didn't get across that day for whatever reason, but the stuff still got to those in need I think.

There's always a way to defeat a bureaucrat. You just need to have a 2 digit or higher IQ. :saint:

[Edited on 4-28-2008 by Gadget]

Hook - 4-28-2008 at 01:39 PM

All part of the influence of the monopolistic Mexican corporations, ad nauseum. :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 4-28-2008 at 02:12 PM

Protectionism, pure and simple. The Pan party will be the first to protect business in Mexico, even the sugunda industry.
Another thing occurs to me....Those working at customs with their little bit of power and inflated disgust for the US will be offended at our efforts toward Mexicos need for charity. Of course, these a-holes have nice shoes.

Oso - 4-28-2008 at 02:41 PM

$imply a mi$under$tanding that required the correct $olicitation.;D

DENNIS - 4-28-2008 at 02:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Oso
$imply a mi$under$tanding that required the correct $olicitation.;D


Well, of course but, we arn't supposed to talk about that.

Taco de Baja - 4-28-2008 at 03:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lingililingili
How about those stickers "Hecho en Mexico" that are placed over top of "Made in China"?


How about those labels "Made in China; Assembled in Mexico"....

lizard lips - 4-28-2008 at 03:35 PM

The guard opened the gate to return to the US, we pulled through and over to the side of the waiting cars, opened all the doors of the van and unloaded every bag and box to the poor folks working the cars in line for handouts. All in clear view of the guards who just turned us around. :biggrin:
:saint:

Improvise and overcome-------I love it! YOU DID GOOD-------

Paulina - 4-28-2008 at 03:38 PM

That's really too bad that happened. It sounds like she's a determined gal and will eventually find a way to make it work.

When we take clothing for donation we pack it in suitcases as well as trash bags, although the bags are not in full view. If I'm asked about the clothes I tell them that I'm lazy and don't like doing laundry, keep a straight face and smile a bit. Knock on wood, it seems to work.

I don't know how that would go over with 800 pairs of shoes though.

P<*)))><

Baja&Back - 4-28-2008 at 03:52 PM

A Christian group in SoCal runs the Hogar (orphanage) in San Quintin. As of January, the had 12 PALLETS of donated clothing, flour & rice in a rented warehouse in San Diego. Every time they try to get this stuff across the border, they are turned around (rudely, I'm told). Now all their vehicles are recognized and searched every time.

For several years now, we have had our guests carry a bag or 2 each in their RVs when we caravan across the border. It's a small thing, but every bit helps, and our guests feel good.

Problem is: IT'S gosh darn DISGUSTING THAT THESE NEARSIGHTED AND UNCARING ADUANA STAFF DON'T GIVE A S**T ABOUT THEIR HOMELESS ORPHANED CHILDREN. :fire: :fire:
What kind of future can Mexico have with that kind of attitude????

DENNIS - 4-28-2008 at 04:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
I don't know how that would go over with 800 pairs of shoes though.

P<*)))><


Maybe if you told them you're Imelda Marcos.

Bob and Susan - 4-28-2008 at 04:11 PM

Imelda ...

imelda.jpg - 13kB

Paulina - 4-28-2008 at 04:21 PM

Dennis, Bob y Susan,

You guys are on to something.

Yo soy Imelda!

I.<*)))><

jodiego - 4-28-2008 at 04:51 PM

Last year we took a motor home full of toys, clothes, bikes, etc down to an orphanage in Tijuana. When we got to the border crossing at San Ysidro, we were told we could not bring any of the stuff in because we had not filled out a declaration form. They opened the gate which led is into the traffic coming BACK from Mexico and we spent about an hour trying to merge and get back across. Then we headed to Otay Mesa and waited about 45 minutes. When we got to the crossing, we handed the guy a Pepsi as he stepped into the motor home to take a look around. No problema. We were on our way and the kids got all the stuff. That would be a great "Pepsi Generation" commercial IMHO.:bounce:

Paula - 4-28-2008 at 08:54 PM

I'm sure Miss Valentine meant well, but what happens when the shoes wear out?

How long will the 800 pairs of shoes last for the children who need them? It seems cruel to me to give them shoes and have them suffer the pain and blisters of becoming accustomed to them, only to have them wear out before a permanent solution to shoelessness is found. And then they experience going without on feet that have softened from a few months of comfort.

So until a political solution is found for the many problems and injustices of deep poverty, maybe it is better to bring blankets and jackets, or to work for a more permanent end to economic suffering.

Of course this probably wasn't the thought process of the Mexican customs official.

DENNIS - 4-29-2008 at 06:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paula
It seems cruel to me to give them shoes and have them suffer the pain and blisters of becoming accustomed to them, only to have them wear out before a permanent solution to shoelessness is found.


The only permanent solution these people will see is the end of the world. I hope it comes after the shelf life of used shoes.

jodiego - 4-29-2008 at 07:49 AM

I kind of feel the same way about bicycles. We give these children bikes and they have no resources to fix them when they start to fall apart, and believe me they will fall apart. And usually, helmets are not included in the giving. I used to work at a childrens center and we would get bikes donated all the time. BUT, we had a volunteer group come in once a month to fix them, and they could barely keep up with the maintenance. We were also lucky enough to get helmets donated too.

David K - 4-29-2008 at 07:58 AM

Presents given at Christmas don't always last forever... Not sure why the shoes, bikes, clothes are any different?:?:

To experience someones kindness is a good thing and can have lasting effects... teaches the wealth of giving and not of just receiving. :saint:

To have loved and lost is better than to not ever have loved at all... someone once said!:yes:

bajabound2005 - 4-29-2008 at 09:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jodiego
I kind of feel the same way about bicycles. We give these children bikes and they have no resources to fix them when they start to fall apart, and believe me they will fall apart. And usually, helmets are not included in the giving. I used to work at a childrens center and we would get bikes donated all the time. BUT, we had a volunteer group come in once a month to fix them, and they could barely keep up with the maintenance. We were also lucky enough to get helmets donated too.


The kids for the Nomad bike project have all received helmets. Each "camp" has been given a repair kit for tires. And we have someone out there teaching them how to make needed repairs.

Hook - 4-29-2008 at 11:29 AM

This is incredible. Too poor to replace the items given them, so dont give them at all?????

What about food donations for the poor? Wont they eventually EAT the food and then it will be gone and they may not get any for a while? Better to let them starve? :?:

Paula - 4-29-2008 at 12:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
This is incredible. Too poor to replace the items given them, so dont give them at all?????

What about food donations for the poor? Wont they eventually EAT the food and then it will be gone and they may not get any for a while? Better to let them starve? :?:



In my post I was refering only to shoes. Going barefoot isn't ideal, but if you have to do it it may be better to do it consistently, keeping the feet hardened and conditioned to harsh conditions. It is really painful walking barefoot when your feet are softened by months of not having to do it. So food, clothing, bycycles, books, toothbrushes, toys-- go for it! Just be careful about shoes unless you're willing to provide a long term supply of them.:yes:

mulegemichael - 4-29-2008 at 12:52 PM

I have been bringing down new shoes now for many many years and am sure they total in the thousands of pairs; I have a very benevolent friend that has many stores and he donates them to me...right now he has 600 pairs of new shoes that I will attempt to smuggle in when I drive down in three weeks. I will not try to hide this fact. NO ONE can convince me that donating shoes to folks that don't have any is not good..that is CRAZY! Get a grip on reality!

sd - 4-29-2008 at 12:59 PM

mulegemichael -

Great thing you are doing. I am sure most everyone there appreciates your efforts.

Nice of your friend to be so generous!

DENNIS - 4-29-2008 at 01:04 PM

Paula had a good point. It would have made more sense had she referred to Tahiti but, her thoughts were in the right place. There are lots of ways to look at this human tragedy.

jodiego - 4-29-2008 at 02:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Quote:
Originally posted by jodiego
I kind of feel the same way about bicycles. We give these children bikes and they have no resources to fix them when they start to fall apart, and believe me they will fall apart. And usually, helmets are not included in the giving. I used to work at a childrens center and we would get bikes donated all the time. BUT, we had a volunteer group come in once a month to fix them, and they could barely keep up with the maintenance. We were also lucky enough to get helmets donated too.


The kids for the Nomad bike project have all received helmets. Each "camp" has been given a repair kit for tires. And we have someone out there teaching them how to make needed repairs.


That's awesome Bajabound, keep up the great work.:saint:

CaboRon - 4-30-2008 at 08:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Presents given at Christmas don't always last forever... Not sure why the shoes, bikes, clothes are any different?:?:

To experience someones kindness is a good thing and can have lasting effects... teaches the wealth of giving and not of just receiving. :saint:

To have loved and lost is better than to not ever have loved at all... someone once said!:yes:


Here you go David,

From Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem In Memoriam:27, 1850:

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.


Have a great day!

CaboRon

Eugenio - 5-1-2008 at 11:30 AM

Go to any of the mini storage facilities on the border and just start asking around how to pass things with out paying - you'll find the person to talk to - a pickup full should cost you about $50. Check points further down are another story.