What recommendations do you have for clothing?

Respectable women in the Dominican Republic do not wear shorts in public. As a result, we require that volunteers wear pants, crop pants or skirts that fall BELOW the knee. Also, shoulders are to be covered. Therefore, tank tops/strappy tops are prohibited. We will provide tee-shirts to be worn for camp. Bras must be worn at all times. No see-through clothing is allowed. No spandex pants, no bare midriffs. Bring a one-piece bathing suit AND one pair of shorts (shorts are to be worn over your suit while in and out of the water) for any possible trips to the beach with the kids. If you plan to attend church—please bring a long skirt and blouse or dress. No bare shoulders.

Bring sandals, tennis shoes, plenty of underwear (there may be a time you'll sweat a little :-)). The environment will be dusty; I suggest not bringing new expensive tennis shoes or other expensive clothes. They will get dirty. If you are at the orphanage for more than a week, your laundry will be done. However, it will be mixed with other volunteers clothes, so colors may run, etc. Don’t bring your best clothes. Because these are strict Pentecostal orphanages, we recommend/suggest/request everyone leave their purple and orange hair at home, jewelry be removed from pierced body parts if possible, and guys leave their earrings at home.</p>

Guys—bring a couple of pairs of Dockers or similar pants. If you plan to attend church, also bring a polo shirt or dress shirt. You’ll receive Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts in the D.R. to wear.

When are funds due?

Please review the schedule and costs page.

How much money should we bring?

We recommend bringing $100 cash and an ATM card or credit card. You will need $10 to enter the country and $10 to exit the country. You may decide to buy snacks, sodas, ice cream, etc. You may need to buy personal toiletry items, film, insect repellent, etc. if you forget to bring them or don't bring enough. You will need cash to call home (about 40 cents a minute). We recommend an ATM card or credit card primarily in case the airlines have difficulty getting you to or from the Dominican Republic, and you need to rent a hotel room, etc. 

Should I bring travelers checks?

No. They are difficult to exchange.

Will I have access to an ATM?

Do not plan on it.  

Should I chanage money in Miami or New York?

No, wait until you get to the Dominican Republic. 

Many people are willing to donates lots of clothes and other items; how can we get those things to the DR?</a> <BR /><BR />

On most airlines, you can each bring two 50 pound suitcases on an international flight (check with yours). Shipping items to the Dominican Republic is very expensive. My suggestion - be straight with people who want to help and tell them the number one need at the orphanage is financial - for food, water, and other basic necessities. And tell them how much $ you are committed to raising. And the 100 pounds you can bring down will be well used.

Should I bring sheets/towels?

If you have twin sheets and a towel that you are willing to donate, please bring them. If you don't, there will be sheets/towels available for you there.

Are we provided with a mosquito net when sleeping?

Yes. 

If I am fundraising, can I send in additional funds that arrive after the deadline?

Yes, we will use those funds for necessary basic necessities at the orphanage - food, water, housing, etc.

Will I have access to e-mail?

Probably not. Do not plan on having access to E-mail. Volunteers who are staying for more than one week may have an opportunity to visit a CyberCafe during the week-end.

Will I have access to do Laundry?

There will only be access to a laundry on the weekends. One week volunteers should bring clothes sufficient for the entire week; longer term volunteers will have access to wash their clothes once/week. Your clothes will be mixed with other volunteers; don’t bring your best clothes.