Why not take an extra bag full of goodies for the children – usually asking around friends, family and colleagues can rustle up a pile of free stuff such as:

• Children’s clothes & shoes
• Nappies, Babies bottles & general baby stuff
• Pens, Pencils, colouring books
• Some toys, games and sweets

Don’t worry about sizes – anything they can’t use is either stored away for a needy child or sold – nothing is ever wasted.

You can make a donation when in Brazil – please hand it to a COB representative – or alternatively send it to us directly on your return. If you wish to give money to a project direct we would be delighted – but please do discuss it with your COB representative – they may not be able to cash your cheque and passing what will probably amount to a large amount of cash (in local terms) can be difficult and even dangerous for the people receiving it.

All money is carefully allocated and accounted for. Cash payments in Brazil are possible but need to be done carefully (e.g. pass it to COB somewhere safe, we will make sure your wishes are adhered to and will provide a receipt and ongoing report on the project you are supporting).

Similarly if you take lots of things for the children please discuss it with either COB or the Project Leader before handing the stuff out – they may not wish to give it all out straight away. Reasons for this can include using ensuring a fair distribution, using some items as incentives, saving some for Birthdays / Christmas etc.