BajaNomad - Where to donate women's clothing; Tecate, Mexicali, San Felipe?

Where to donate women's clothing; Tecate, Mexicali, San Felipe?

BajaNomad - 9-8-2013 at 12:26 AM

From the email inbox today:

Quote:

Can you tell me where I can donate a bunch of womens clothes and shoes in Baja? Will be traveling down from Tecate to San Felipe in Oct.. thanks for you help..

David K - 9-8-2013 at 01:45 AM

Maybe a note here that it is 'illegal' for non-Mexicans to bring donated/ used clothes across the border, even for a great cause as orphanages or the poor. So, don't flaunt it's purpose if questioned....

The theory is that takes away income from clothing shops in Mexico as something free is unfair competition... even if the recipients cannot afford to buy clothes for themselves!

I used to bring bags of my kids outgrown clothes to Juanita at Cielito Lindo and JR at La Barca so they could help those in need...

DENNIS - 9-8-2013 at 09:32 AM

Quote:

Not to mention, some of the Mexican inspectors take offense when we treat Mexico as a charity case....in spite of the circumstances.
Just don't mention the word, "charity"....or try to educate them.

Mulegena - 9-8-2013 at 12:14 PM

What Dennis said, I concur. I do know your intentions are good and appreciate the kindness of heart.

I've seen piles of used clothes dumped on the ground outside churches only to be later sold by the church to supplement its coffers or hauled off to the dump after they've become un-usable.

I've found this works well and is square:
-Always pay fair and promptly for goods and services received in Baja, and pay in cash money.
-Never give money to children just because they are children. Although it's illegal in Mexico for children to work, many do. If you encounter a child selling gum for instance, buy some if you like, as you would deal with any other business person you encounter, but don't teach them to beg or expect a hand-out from foreigners.
-You'll find people with boxes asking for donations. Its up to you to donate a few pesos or not. They're usually in a recovery treatment program and are collecting for it. I donate to them when they perform a small service, like wash the windshield of the car at the gas station.
-Do leave a tip for your waiter at a restaurant, 10-15%, always.
-Do tip the bagger at the grocery store about 10 pesos, always.

David K - 9-8-2013 at 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
What Dennis said, I concur. I do know your intentions are good and appreciate the kindness of heart.

I've seen piles of used clothes dumped on the ground outside churches only to be later sold by the church to supplement its coffers or hauled off to the dump after they've become un-usable.

I've found this works well and is square:
-Always pay fair and promptly for goods and services received in Baja, and pay in cash money.
-Never give money to children just because they are children. Although it's illegal in Mexico for children to work, many do. If you encounter a child selling gum for instance, buy some if you like, as you would deal with any other business person you encounter, but don't teach them to beg or expect a hand-out from foreigners.
-You'll find people with boxes asking for donations. Its up to you to donate a few pesos or not. They're usually in a recovery treatment program and are collecting for it. I donate to them when they perform a small service, like wash the windshield of the car at the gas station.
-Do leave a tip for your waiter at a restaurant, 10-15%, always.
-Do tip the bagger at the grocery store about 10 pesos, always.

Good stuff... I like to help Cruz Roja when they have girls standing in the middle of Hwy. 1 with the white can... Never know when they may come to your accident scene!

sancho - 9-8-2013 at 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

-Never give money to children just because they are children

There is a place in San Felipe, I beleive it is called the
San Felipe Food Bank, they had a second hand thrift
store located just before the Arches as you enter SF,
that was a couple yrs. ago, may have relocated, I'm
sure they are still in town, they sell clothes then use $ for
items for the less fortunate. I'm guility of giving coins
to children in Mex just as a gift, I understand your point

DENNIS - 9-8-2013 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
-You'll find people with boxes asking for donations. Its up to you to donate a few pesos or not. They're usually in a recovery treatment program and are collecting for it.

I wish there was more accountability for these programs. I always wonder how much and where the money goes. I've tried to research these question, but my inquiries always hit the wall.
I've also seen a few of the young participants freelancing behind their credentials going door to door and driving around in their cars. That's unusual for these outfits.
Seems most of the kids are out of the states down here for rehab. Makes me wonder if the programs are stateside subsidized??

I'll keep beating the bushes.

freediverbrian - 9-8-2013 at 03:04 PM

To get to the food bank in San Felipe go north at the oxxo by the arches two stop signs , make right go two more stop signs on left

Mulegena - 9-8-2013 at 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Good stuff... I like to help Cruz Roja when they have girls standing in the middle of Hwy. 1 with the white can... Never know when they may come to your accident scene!

Thanks David K, for your afore-mentioned comments about the used clothing, and for this very pertinent suggestion. I'd forgotten about the Cruz Roja people. Yes, please give generously to these folks. They do a wonderful service!

DianaT - 9-8-2013 at 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
.......
-Do leave a tip for your waiter at a restaurant, 10-15%, always.

Unless we have terrible service, we always tip at least 20% and if it is a small cafe and we have a large group, we tip a lot more.

We have been with people in Baja who say that we should only tip 10% no matter what as that is the custom. If they are taking care of the bill, we always discreetly slip the server more money on the way out.

I guess having worked for tips in the past, it makes a difference. And from what we have seen in Mexico, and know from waiters here in the states, the very rich are the WORST tippers; especially the ones from the lucky sperm club.

DENNIS - 9-8-2013 at 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

I like to tip well in Mexico, but have been scolded by a Mexican friend for over-tipping (above 10%)... I guess they don't want to ruin a good deal???

Your friend is mean spirited. :fire:

nbacc - 9-8-2013 at 04:53 PM

the tough part of taking stuff (clothes, shoes and so on) is getting it to those who REALLY need it because some really do need them.

DianaT - 9-8-2013 at 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
From the email inbox today:

Quote:

Can you tell me where I can donate a bunch of womens clothes and shoes in Baja? Will be traveling down from Tecate to San Felipe in Oct.. thanks for you help..

Is there a women's shelter in that area? They usually need clothing.

liknbaja127 - 9-8-2013 at 06:35 PM

We have always taken down used clothing, to San Felipe, only 2 or 3 bags at a time. no problems at border! We give them to the maids at the hotels.
they always seem to appreciate it. Going to San Quintin in 2 weeks, we will
also take down things in our closets, we don't use. cant wait!!

Mulegena - 9-8-2013 at 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

I wish there was more accountability for these programs. I always wonder how much and where the money goes. I've tried to research these question, but my inquiries always hit the wall.
...Seems most of the kids are out of the states down here for rehab. Makes me wonder if the programs are stateside subsidized??

I'll keep beating the bushes.

I have a friend here in town who is a graduate of CREAD (its a drug rehab place, don't recall what the acronym is). He told me that everybody in the program has had to have been arrested and be a drug user. He used to make regular runs up to Tijuana and bring back down new residents fresh out of jail and into the program. They even travel with drugs legally in quantity sufficient to get their people to their destination and then and only then into detox. I found this surprising but I don't doubt this man's honesty nor accuracy.

The monthly budget per resident is $300 pesos (about $25) I believe and includes basic food & shelter, jeans & CREAD t-shirt and treatment; I have no idea what the treatment is other than detox. He said that the government does not subsidize these programs. They are 100% privately funded which would seem to mean that those pesos the Trustees collect on the street are a vital part of their lifeblood.

I know nothing about their accounting or accountability and feel that its a personal choice to donate to them or not. I choose to do so when someone has performed a welcome service for me such as cleaning the windshield of my car, washing my car or helping me move something heavy and the $ amount of my donation is proportional to the service rendered. Again, this is my choice and recommendation only.

Mulegena - 9-8-2013 at 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by liknbaja127
We have always taken down used clothing, to San Felipe, only 2 or 3 bags at a time. no problems at border! We give them to the maids at the hotels.
they always seem to appreciate it. Going to San Quintin in 2 weeks, we will
also take down things in our closets, we don't use. cant wait!!

Hotel/Motel service people need travelers to leave a tip (propina) too.

Used clothes are nice, but how about 20 or 30 pesos left on the nightstand?

Have a great time in San Quintin. You'll find the weather perfect this time of year. Enjoy.

MMc - 9-8-2013 at 07:25 PM

We give to the Orphanages. The Sister of Mercy also do a lot of good, they are all over.

bledito - 9-8-2013 at 07:28 PM

when we stay resort like we always leave 600-1200 pesos in envelope with note to be given as gratuities to maid/cleaning lady.

Mulegena - 9-8-2013 at 07:28 PM

This thread has kinda morphed into donation/tipping practices.

Maybe the idea of hauling your old clothes down to Mexico for all the poor people is, well, outdated shall we say? There's plenty of used clothes down here already and there are people who make their living selling them. Frankly, bringing down used clothes deprives them of their meager living.

While one's good intentions are appreciated, there are many other ways to assist the economy and be friendly.

There are charitable organizations which are worthy and whose budgets are very, very minimal. One that comes to mind are the local fire departments, Los Bomberos. Their budgets are miniscule yet their work so essential to the welfare of a community. For instance, here in Mulege the local Bomberos are facing a crisis, no that's not correct, they're in the middle of a crisis. The very meager state subsidy of the community fire departments isn't enough to last a whole year if the department has to actually go out and fight a fire or two. There's no other resources. The fire crews are all-volunteer townspeople. The trucks are old and in constant need of repair. There is no budget for repairs. There is currently a lack of funds to keep the trucks gassed up! The fire departments would be an excellent place to make a donation that would make a difference in any community in Baja. Your help might very well save a life.

Thanks for this thread. It's proven food for thought.

DENNIS - 9-8-2013 at 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
I choose to do so when someone has performed a welcome service for me such as cleaning the windshield of my car,

Agreed, but they must ask first. When I exit a store and someone's there wiping down my car, he gets nothing. I won't participate through guilt or intimidation. Only cooperation.

I'm a lavish tipper, BTW.

Mulegena - 9-8-2013 at 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
I choose to do so when someone has performed a welcome service for me such as cleaning the windshield of my car,

You betchagotta ask first, and I have the right to politely decline your service, too... but, Dennis, gimme tha' tip

mcfez - 9-10-2013 at 09:14 AM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=51626

Here is a dated flyer....but useful for the info on needs
http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx/news/foodbank09april.html

Being Baja Experienced David...

DavidE - 9-10-2013 at 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Maybe a note here that it is 'illegal' for non-Mexicans to bring donated/ used clothes across the border, even for a great cause as orphanages or the poor. So, don't flaunt it's purpose if questioned....

The theory is that takes away income from clothing shops in Mexico as something free is unfair competition... even if the recipients cannot afford to buy clothes for themselves!

I used to bring bags of my kids outgrown clothes to Juanita at Cielito Lindo and JR at La Barca so they could help those in need...

Yah otter know, you can slather on lipstick, slip into a low cut gown and smuggle 700 lbs of wimmens clothes and I promise you I really believe no one will say a word...

BajaBlanca - 9-11-2013 at 08:58 AM

I had a student many years ago (15+) who told me her son died of a drug overdose and she started CREAD in his honor.