Gifts to Clinics, Villages, Orphanages, etc.?

I was at an SCI banquet and the SCI rep mentioned their "SafariCare Bags" program that they use to collect donations for local clinics, orphanges, schools, etc. This caught the eye of my GF and she really wants to try and put something together for our trip next year. I intend to discuss it with the PH for suggestions and feedback.

All that said, has anyone done anything like this before? If so, give me the skinny...

There is always a need.
The big blue bag can haul a lot of stuff that would be useful and needed.
I personally did not use the big blue bag but took supplies (cloths, etc.) and soccer balls and gave them to any likely child or school.
I also left some toys with my PH for him to take to a local school in Namibia.
Small effort and cost and you get to help somebody out.
Do it, you will not regret it.

Here is a link to the Safari Club International Foundation with information on the SafariCare "Blue Bags": SafariCare "Blue Bags" - A volunteer healthcare and humanitarian outreach program serving people in need in remote communities around the globe.

On my recent trip to Zim I found that shoes and warm clothing are in need. The locals really feel the cold. I gave my trackers fleece pants and jackets and until about lunch time each day they would not take this clothing off.

Just about anything will be used, appreciated or on sold/traded for what is needed.

+1 on ask your PH to find out from his staff what they may want or don't have. It may not be what you think they need.

When tourists we were asked to take tin openers to the staff at Sinamatella camp in Hwange in 1992. They just didn't have any .... or they were an 'attractive item' they could be on traded for other goods.

Virtually all of Africa is in need...In addition to donating clothing, etc. to rural areas, consider cities as well. On our trip to Namibia my wife & I took 5 lg. duffels of shoes/clothes/basic medical supplies. We donated 2 to an abused women/childrens (rampant in Africa) shelter in one of Joburg's townships and 3 to an orphanage in Windhoek. Both were affiliated with the Lutheran Community. We flew 1st class (used freq. flier miles) so no extra baggage fees. Taking extra bags into the bush on small planes may be prohibited or very costly.

I have one big favour to ask.
Please do not give it directly to the people on the street. Give to the PH to distribute or an organisation
where there is need.
We work amongst the San in northern Namibia. Some are not that needy but there are some in very remote areas that really can use everything.
If you give money always ask for a receipt.
Thank you for sharing!

Last year we took 3 bags, almost 300 lbs of donated items. We went to a small Christian school close to camp. It was a blessing for all of us but I don't think the teachers were very honest we saw a few of them stashing items to take home instead of giving it to the kids in the school. We stayed and played soccer and really enjoyed their singing. Puts in perspective how fortunate we are to live the way we do. Just realize you can't possibly do enough, the need is great so just do what you can. SCI Blue bag program is a great way to show the hunting community has a big heart.

Ask your outfitter what works best, the money you might use to pay for transporting stuff to Africa would be better spent in country on the things most needed.