Pack For A Purpose

This item appears on page 75 of the September 2011 issue.

Pack For A Purpose, a nonprofit founded in 2009, suggests that travelers to any of 100-plus destinations on five continents pack at least five pounds of helpful supplies in their luggage to be delivered to a community in need.

In the area you’re visiting, find a participating hotel or lodge and drop off the supplies at the reception desk. (You are not required to be staying at any of the lodgings, most of which are high-end.)

Five pounds is the weight of 400 pencils, five deflated soccer balls or a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff and 500 Band-Aids. Visit the website to see what’s needed where you’re going.