If you are like us you are probably wondering if there is something else to do other than sunbathing, swimming, shopping, eating, drinking, sleeping in, etc. In fact, there are a number of meaningful activities before/during/after your trip that can help create a more wholesome vacation. This list is not meant to be complete, but rather highlights some of the best options in our experience.
Key organizations we will cover in this post:
Lean on Me International (aka LOMI): https://www.facebook.com/LOMIislamujeres/
Isla Animals: https://www.islaanimals.org
Isla Scholarships: https://www.islascholarships.com
Isla Diabetes Clinic: https://isladiabetesclinic.com
Women's Beading Co-op: https://www.facebook.com/IslaMujeresBeadingCoop Shoes for Children: https://www.shoesforchildrenmx.com
Packing for your trip
As you are thinking about everything you need for your trip - perhaps as you order new flip flops, get some children-sized flip flops to donate to local kids? Maybe get some fun toys as well?
Perhaps bring some Spanish or bi-lingual books in English and Spanish (including picture books) to fill the free libraries all over Isla?
Pens and fun journals?
Do you have kids in school? Can you imagine learning without a laptop or tablet or even a smartphone? Maybe you have a tablet that’s just a couple years old, but you are ready for a new one? Kids and young adults on Isla would benefit greatly even from devices that are just a little outdated for you, but perfectly fine for them.
Medical devices - like nebulizers, diabetes test strips, blood oxygen meters - are all needed as well.
Lean on Me International (LOMI) can collect those gifts and make sure they get to where they help most.
Thinking about adopting a new cat or dog - consider visiting Isla Animals on your trip and maybe bring a new companion home?
Not ready for a new companion? Consider bringing and donating collars (small/medium), doggy bags, flea/tick meds, toys, bowls, carriers, etc.
Isla Diabetes Clinic fills a critical need on Isla Mujeres by providing Diabetes patients with education, glucometers, test strips, and lancets for free. Most urgently they need Contour Next test strips, which you can easily get online or in stores. Also consider bringing some cheap reading glasses as many patients need those. If you would prefer a donation - $78 will provide the materials for one patient to manage Diabetes for an entire year.
Isla Mujeres Women's Beading Co-op supports local women that create beatiful hand-crafted jewelry for purchase. You can support their efforts not only by purchasing items, but also by bringing items to them. Click here for a wish list on Amazon.
During your trip
Food Drive with Lean on Me International (LOMI)
Pick a half day during your vacation and do something truly important for you and local families. Representatives with LOMI will go to a grocery store with you and stock up on needed items for local families - and then take you to the families in need so you get to meet them in person and see who you are supporting. We took our niece and nephew and they loved it.
Do you love animals? Would you like to visit local dogs and cats? Maybe take a dog for a well-deserved walk? Isla Animals is an amazing organization that rescues local dogs and cats and provides you with everything you need to bring your new companion home with you, including advice related to your airline travel, necessary paperwork, where to buy (or borrow) an approved pet carrier, and even a pet-friendly van ride to the airport.
Go shopping for hand-crafted jewelry at the Isla Mujeres Women's Beading Co-op.
After your trip
Now that you have met so many wonderful people on Isla Mujeres we would like to point out a few options to support Isleños from home…
This program is an amazing opportunity to help students from Isla to pursue degrees and careers that they would not normally have access to. This program creates lasting opportunities for local students to improve their own lives and those of their families. Sponsorships start at $30/month and you can find more information here: https://www.islascholarships.com
We have mentioned LOMI throughout this post quite a bit. LOMI supports Islaños in times of crisis. A lot of their work supports locals that suffer from medical conditions or have been in accidents with injuries that are not covered by Mexican health insurance. They run many fundraising events locally - but if you missed them you can support them after your trip as well, or become a supporting member of the organization. Most up-to-date info can be found on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/LOMIislamujeres/
This organization has donated thousands of pairs of shoes to Children in Isla Mujeres and other places in Mexico. Check them out and consider donating or volunteering: https://www.shoesforchildrenmx.com
Planning your next trip
As you get ready to head back to Isla soon (we hope) - consider purchasing items to bring on your next trip - and perhaps we can welcome you here at Casa Reposado when you return. https://www.casareposado.com
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