OBG's Travel Philanthropy Spotlight: Pack for a Purpose

Originally published on American Airlines BlackAtlas.com on October 30, 2012

It can be a bit tricky to write about travel without sounding like a braggart, and equally as difficult to write about giving without coming across as a saint. But because I am neither a braggart nor a saint, I’m going to give OBG's first Travel Philanthropy Spotlight my best shot and hope that you will accept it in the spirit in which it has been written.

My four proudest accomplishments in 2012 were related to both travel and/or philanthropy, three of which were (1) traveling to cities throughout the US throwing global awareness parties for underserved girls; (2) speaking to bloggers at BlogHer - likely the largest blogging conference in the world - about some of the ways travel & lifestyle bloggers all over the world can and do give, and then challenging them to do the same; and, (3) creating a growing collective of active givers on Facebook called #BrownGirlsGive.

My fourth proudest accomplishment was taking a bag of school supplies to the Caribbean and donating them to the Sandals Foundation via Pack for a Purpose, the subject of this BlackAtlas feature, an organization I found out about via a simple tweet, and of which OneBrownGirl.com® is now a proud partner. You can read about my donation experience here. #TwitterRocks

Pack for a Purpose, an award winning 501(c)(3) charitable organization based out of Raleigh, North Carolina and run by the very friendly and caring Rebecca Rothney, asks travelers (that would be us!) to pack 5 pounds (2.27 kgs) of supplies in our suitcases for those of us who want to add some value to our trip by giving to those in need. Now, how easy is that?

Simply select your destination from the Destinations page, select one of the Lodging choices (whether you are a guest there or not), check out what supplies are needed, buy them, pack them and drop them off. I figure if we’re fortunate enough to travel (after all, travel is a luxury), we should be more than willing to give. Just like their motto says: Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact. #holla

Here are five things I love about Pack for a Purpose:

1. It’s an easy peasy, simple pimple concept for travelers that doesn’t take a great deal of effort or money, and 5 pounds will barely make a dent in your suitcase. (Tip: Pack a little less.)
2. The destinations serve mostly children, many of whom come from underdeveloped countries.
3. If you haven’t selected any lodging accommodations and you are moved by the generosity of Pack for a Purpose lodging participants, you might just find a new place to stay.
4. If you own a property anywhere in the world and you’ve been looking for a way to make a difference, well here ya go. 
5. Giving makes you feel so good.

I don’t know where you’re off to next or if you have any inclination at all to be of service in this way, but I’m a lifelong advocate of Pack for a Purpose, travel and giving, and I hope you will be too. Safe travels everyone.

Pack for a Purpose is on Facebook and Twitter.

“If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”  ~Mother Teresa.