In a touching display of kindness, a group of visitors led by Tommie Cato arrived in Cozumel aboard the Independence of the Seas on January 28, bringing with them more than just a tourist’s curiosity—they came with a mission. During a previous visit, Tommie had connected with a local mother whose child attended CAM Escolar, an elementary school dedicated to children with special needs. Inspired by their conversation, a group of Friends of First Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Caroloina decided to make a meaningful contribution to the school.

The school’s director pointed out that while the children enjoyed outdoor recess, the school lacked proper play equipment. It was quickly agreed that a donation should go toward acquiring a playset—something the children could enjoy for years to come.

Assembly day arrived on April 23, bringing together a team of dedicated individuals, including Friends of Cozumel (FOC) volunteers and a local family consisting of a father and his three sons. Armed with an 83-page instruction manual and faced with hundreds of screws, bolts, and specialty parts, the determined group worked to bring the playset to life.

In addition to completing the structure, extra funds from the donation will go toward installing a shade cover to protect the children from the sun. While the school is currently closed, meaning no children were available for a celebratory photo with the new playset, it’s only a matter of time before their laughter fills the playground.

Though those who built the structure may not be as cute as the kids who will enjoy it, their efforts and generosity have ensured that the students of CAM Escolar will have a brighter, more joyful outdoor experience for years to come. A wonderful example of how small gestures can leave a lasting impact on a community.

In the vibrant community of Cozumel, the expression “many hands make light work” truly comes to life, especially thanks to the spirited involvement of volunteers. Recently, we had the privilege of working with two remarkable families visiting the island as part of a cruise. Their enthusiastic wish to contribute by providing school supplies and engaging in hands-on service—was the catalyst for an inspiring day.

Every year, we distribute pre-assembled packets of school supplies, tailored to meet the specific needs of each grade level.  It takes considerable time to organize and assemble these packets and typically, we work with groups of 5-7 volunteers. 

On April 2nd, we experienced a delightful surge of energy when Ty Fletcher and his extended family—comprising 15 eager individuals including their grandmother, a former first-grade teacher.  The families brought much-needed supplies purchased from the local Sam’s Club. We assembled supply packets for various educational levels. In under two hours, our dedicated volunteers completed all packets for Primaria (Elementary Levels 1-3, 4-5, and 6), as well as those for Secundaria (Junior High) and Prepa (High School). What a significant achievement!

We still need to complete packets for Kindergarten, University, and special-needs schools.  The Fletchers and their family’s generous contributions not only jumpstarted our packet assembly but also set an uplifting tone for our overall preparation for the school distribution on July 24th and 25th.

Our work as a community-focused organization would be impossible without volunteers’ time, resources, and commitment. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to our beautiful island, your willingness to contribute makes a substantial impact. Every little effort counts, and together we can ensure that many children in Cozumel are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Recently, we received a wonderful donation of backpacks, school supplies and cash to assist in our upcoming school supply distribution that will take place in July. VACAYA clients on the RCL Brilliance of the Seas met volunteers from Friends of Cozumel after arriving at the international pier with 60 backpacks, scientific calculators, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners and many, many more items.

We also were blessed to receive cash donations from many of these travelers as well as a significant cash gift from VACAYA. This money will be used to purchase supplies locally that include paper products, scissors, erasers and geometry sets.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION!

This is the latest group of supplies we were blessed to receive this past week from Cozumel Bar Hop patrons. Thank you to Cozumel Bar Hop for their continued support of children in Cozumel!

It is hard to believe that this year’s distribution is only five months away and we are carefully monitoring our supply counts in anticipation of being able to serve 825+ students for the next school year 2025/26. We have groups coming that have pledged to bring donations as well as individuals who have offered extra room in their suitcases for supplies. We also are receiving donations via our Paypal button for the many supplies that we buy locally. In fact, we anticipate that this year, we will spend more money with local merchants that we ever have.

As we review our supply inventory we have identified the following items that we still need:

• Backpacks – Girls Kinder thru 3rd grade (60)
• Backpacks – Boys Secundaria thru University – 17-18″ size (130)
• Glue sticks (140)
• Pencil sharpeners (100)
• Colored pencils – 12 count (125)
• Pens – black (600)
• Pens – blue (200)
• Pens – red (125)
• Correction tape (200)

Because we plan to purchase more locally we also appreciate your financial support. Feel free to write us at friendsofcozumel.com if you can help us in in-kind donations or financial gifts. Together we are all making a difference in the lives of local families by keeping their children in school. THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THIS

It is hard to believe that we are now less than 6 months from this year’s distribution!

The actual dates for distribution will be THURSDAY JULY 24 and FRIDAY JULY 25.

• We are in the process of collecting supplies and updating our inventory counts to determine what is still needed most.
• Soon, we will be scheduling volunteer sessions to assemble packets of supplies that go to each grade group.
• If you are traveling soon to Cozumel and have room to bring supplies or would like to make a local purchase please contact us.   We also are collecting funds to buy paper products locally.
• If you would like to participate as a volunteer with the actual distribution contact us now.

ALL INQUIRIES CAN BE MADE VIA EMAIL or by private message on our Facebook page: Friends of Cozumel

The Worldwide Christian Scuba Diver’s Organization visited Cozumel last week to dive and serve the community in various ways.  Their service efforts included a wide array of work to benefit the community:

Painting the exterior and selected parts of the interior for Centro de Autismo, a facility that provides therapy for youth on the spectrum and parent education

THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS FROM WORLDWIDE CHRISTIAN SCUBA DIVERS ORGANIZATION!

On June 1st, sixteen water systems that filter out the impurities in the ground water and tap water were delivered to local families living in an area called “The Ranchitos” which is located on the transversal road that runs between the East and West sides of the island.

Having these systems will eliminate the expense of purchasing purified water and provides some economic relief for these families. This group of water systems was delivered by Judy Buchanan Campagna and her group #TogetherWeAREMakingADifference. It’s wonderful when different groups can collaborate to jointly help local families that need additional support.

This type of effort would not be possible without the contributions of many people and organizations. Worldwide Christian Scuba Divers has been providing water filters to Friends of Cozumel for 4+ years. Another organization, Everybody Fed has also provided us with funding to purchase materials and supplies to make the bases and purchase the buckets. Lastly, many of our volunteers have participated in constructing the wooden stands and assembling the filters and faucets.

To date, Friends of Cozumel has placed over 200 water systems with local families.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVA AND GLENN FOR PROVIDING SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR US!

We were asked to keep them up to date on future needs as more visits are planned in the future. THANK YOU!

In February we received a message from Sharyn Friesen.   “I know that at times it is difficult to get all of the school supplies you need delivered.    I have found an attractive price for a roundtrip flight from Houston to Cozumel and I would be willing to bring you two checked bags of school supplies if that would help out.”

We were thrilled at this idea and Sharyn’s generosity so we gladly accepted and immediately made a wish list that donors could purchase from and ship the supplies directly to her.   Sharyn arrived in Cozumel on May 12 with 100 pounds of school supplies which included 86 Backpacks, 60 boxes of colored pencils, 390 pens and 250 pencil pouches.  The pencil pouches are hand-made by the women from Volunteer Christian Builders (They have provided us with pencil pouches every year for 8+ years for a total of over 4,000 pencil pouches a well as other market bags, gift bags, and other items).  Sharyn also brought us cash donations which will be used to purchase a number of supplies from local merchants here in Cozumel.

As planned, Sharyn was here for less than 24 hours and on May 13 she was at the airport to return to Houston. She left us overjoyed with our latest donation and the fact that she plans to return in July to personally help us with this year’s distribution to the children!

We now have a new title . . .  “School Supply Runner”

We enjoy hearing from people whom we have never met and are inquiring about donating school supplies towards our annual distribution.   This was the case when we received an email from Mary Powlen, President-elect of the Garland, Texas chapter of Altrusa, a non-profit organization dedicated to service projects that improve the educational, economic, and quality of life outcomes of communities around the world. Mary explained to me that Shirley Raymer, the District governor of Altrusa for the state of Texas, is a frequent visitor to Cozumel and their chapter was interested in contributing to our School Supply Distribution project.

We are very grateful for this wonderful donation of calculators, highlighters, dry-erase markers and pens! Thank you to Altrusa for your support!

Do you want to help with our school supply program but are not traveling here anytime soon or you don’t have space in your luggage?   Here are three ways that you can help.

CASH DONATIONS

1. You can receive a year-end statement for tax deductions by mailing your check to a church that passes 100% of the money to Friends of Cozumel.  Make the check payable to “Nacogdoches Community Church” and note the purpose (i.e. “School Supplies”) in the memo line.   Then mail the check to:

2. If you want to donate without the ability to deduct it on your taxes,make the check payable to “Friends of Cozumel” and note the purpose (i.e. “School Supplies”) in the memo line.  Mail it directly to our U.S. address.

DIRECT PURCHASES

If you are not traveling to Cozumel or don’t want to pack it in your luggage, you can order through your Amazon account by using amazon.com.mx.   You can ship to one of their drop off sites that include Donasusa stores, Estafeta and DHL Express.  When you receive notice from Amazon the product was delivered, forward us that notice plus the QR code for us to pick it up in Cozumel.

Steps to add a drop-off location in Cozumel to your account’s address book

1.  Go to www.amazon.com.mx/ulp
2. Enter “Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico” in the search box

• From the list of locations we recommend either location #2 (Estafeta) or location #5 (Donasusa nueva Cozumel 1).

Now that this is in your address book, you can purchase on the amazon.com.mx site and notify us regarding delivery.

If you have questions about this information please contact Larry Pedersen PEDERSENLL@HOTMAIL.COM / 01-515-249-9241

As we head into 2024 we are preparing for the distribution of school supplies for the 2024-25 school year.   In the coming weeks we will begin assembling school packets for this year’s distribution which will take place in July 22 & 23.    Last year, we were able to provide backpacks and school supplies to over 800 students and we hope to do the same for the upcoming year.  In order to do so, we still need additional supplies.

Here is a list of items we need.   If you are coming to Cozumel in the coming months and are willing to put some supplies in your suitcase or backpack we are providing a description as well as links to Amazon’s site with some of the best prices we’ve found.  You can contact Larry Pedersen (PEDERSENLL@HOTMAIL.COM) or via phone (515) 249-9241.   We will make arrangements to meet you if you are visiting on a cruise or coming to vacation in Cozumel.

REGULAR SIZE GLUE STICKS – NEED 100

Amazon.com : Amazon Basics Purple Washable School Glue Sticks, Dries Clear, 0.24-oz Stick,60-Pack  

BLACK PENS – NEED 300

Amazon.com : Rarlan Highlighters, Chisel Tip, Fluorescent Yellow, 72 Count Bulk Pack… : Office Products

BLUE PENS – NEED 200

Amazon.com : BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Blue Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.0mm), 36-Count Pack of Bulk Pens, Flexible Round Barrel for Writing Comfort, No. 1 Selling Ballpoint Pens

YELLOW HIGHLIGHTERS – NEED 200

Amazon.com : Thenshop 100 Pcs Yellow Pocket Style Highlighters Bible Highlighter Gel Highlighters Highlighters for Bible Pages No Bleed Thin Highlighters for Adults Kids Highlighting in the Home School

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS – NEED 80

Amazon.com : RENUS 8 Packs, 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator Function Calculator for Student and Teacher 16 AAA Batteries Included  

ENGLISH/SPANISH DICTIONARIES – NEED 40

Amazon.com: Merriam-Webster Webster’s Spanish-English Dictionary for Students, Second Edition (English and Spanish Edition): 9781596951655: Editors of Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster

BACKPACKS  We are also in need of backpacks for July’s distribution.   Specifically, we need the following

55 Small backpacks for Kinder–3^rd grade boys

25 Small backpacks for Kinder-3^rd grade girls

110 Large (19”) backpacks for Secundaria (Middle School) – University boys

115 Large (19”) backpacks for Secundarai (Middle School) – University girls

Meet Veronica Pool, an amazing single mom who works cleaning homes. She is determined to earn her prepa (high school) degree. Veronica is an excellent role model for her three children (one in primaria/elementary; two in secundaria/middle school).  She attends Saturday classes at Bachilleres, a Cozumel prepa known to be one of the best academic high schools to prepare students for college.  Veronica receives a “beca” scholarship from Friends of Cozumel to help pay tuition.  Many of our students who receive becas are truly breaking barriers by being the first generation in their families to attend high school and university.

Sixty-nine students received becas this fall semester; 51 high students and 18 college students.  Most of these students receive becas from the general FOC Scholarship fund; a few selected students also receive private scholarships from donors. 

Prepa student becas are $1,300 pesos (about $77 USD @ FX 16.8) per semester.  High school students are required to pay “inscripcion” (tuition) fees each semester. Their high school will automatically enroll them to receive a government scholarship that their family will receive in November or December so the students can use this to pay for tuition and other school expenses until they graduate.

University becas are $1,800 pesos (about $107 US) per semester for full-time tuition or some students use becas to pay for internet service at their home since much of their work is online.  Friends of Cozumel supports a total of 63 university students with school supplies; 65% are young women.  Examples of careers university students are using the becas to achieve:  accounting, bio-medical engineering, food/beverage, business administration, nursing, nutrition, teaching, tourism, etc.

Becas are also available to students of all ages to take English classes that supplement what they learn in school.  The ability to understand and speak conversational English is a huge advantage here to get a job supporting the tourism industry. 

Special THANKS to our donors who fund the scholarship program.  It is a wonderful investment that enables individuals and their families to become self-sufficient.     

1. 826 students (kinder – university) received school supplies

• 20% are special needs students with various disabilities
• 627 received backpacks with supplies for their school grade/year  
• 199 received packets of basic supplies
• All students are from families “in need” known by one or more of our local community leaders.  These families have been screened and pre-identified for their financial situation, “special needs”, health complications in the family, etc. It is not a program open to the public.  Families with students who receive backpacks and school supplies must complete an inscription process showing their grades in school or proof of school attendance.
• 2 changes in student profiles over the years:  1) # of females vs. males attending prepa (high school) is now 65% female/35% male; and 2) Increase in # university students is 60+ this year.

The significant growth in 2022/23 was due to our collaboration with Chrysalis of Cozumel

2. Community Outreach . . . Other non-profit organizations’ families benefitted 

• CAM primaria (elementary) and secundaria (middle school) students (150 total).  CAM Schools are dedicated to education to students with various special needs
• Centro de Autismo and CRIM (rehabilitation therapy) selected students
• Circle of Friends 12 families
• Mujeres Guerreras (Women Warriors – mothers of severely impacted children with disabilities – their siblings)
• Ranchito Project

3. 57 adults received free reading eyeglasses

4. 40 volunteers participated (38% local citizens)

The challenge . . . Help us gather the top 10 GREATEST SCHOOL SUPPLY NEEDS

Now that most schools have begun, managers in stores are marking down prices to clear out their inventory to make room for holiday merchandise. If you are an online shopper, especially Amazon user. . . . see the links below.

These needs are the items we have the lowest inventory of going into next year.

1. Glue Sticks – Amazon.com : Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, Washable, 7 Grams, 30 Count : Office Products
2. Black Pens – Amazon.com : BIC Round Stic Grip Xtra Comfort Black Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.2mm), 36-Count Pack, Perfect Writing Pens With Soft Grip for Superb Comfort and Control : Office Products
3. Blue Pens – Amazon.com : BIC Round Stic Grip Xtra Comfort Blue Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.2mm), 36-Count Pack, Excellent Writing Pens With Soft Grip for Superb Comfort and Control : Office Products
4. Red Pens – Amazon.com : BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.0mm), Red, 12-Count Pack, Stick Pens for Office Supplies (GSM11-RED) : Rollerball Pens : Office Products
5. Correction Tape – Amazon.com : 36 Pack Correction Tape Eraser, original Correction Tape White Wide Tape Wipe out Easy to Use Applicator Translucent Dispenser Shows for School Office Note Journal Scrapbooking, 0.2 Inch x 39.4 Feet : Office Products
6. Yellow Highlighters – Amazon.com : Madisi Highlighters Bulk Pack, Chisel Tip, Fluorescent Yellow, 84 Count : Office Products
7. Scientific Calculators – Amazon.com: 2 Line Engineering Scientific Calculator Function Calculator Calculator Large Display Math Calculator for Student Teacher Classroom High School College School Business Offices Black (10 Pieces)
8. Spanish/English Dictionaries – Webster’s Spanish-English Student Dictionary Edition 2: Merriam-Webster: 9781596951655 – Christianbook.com
9. 16Gb USB Drives – Amazon.com: 10-Pack Enfain 16GB USB 2.0 Flash Memory Stick Swivel Thumb Drives for Universal Data Storage at Home & The Office (Black) : Electronics
10. Backpacks – Small size for kinder-3rd grade and large size for middle school (secundaria), high school (prepa) and university.

We can ALWAYS use other basic items like blunt scissors, dry erase markers, coloring books (for kinder) and good quality pencil sharpeners that have space for shavings.

Important tip: Please keep the receipts for items purchased to show when you pass through customs.

THANK YOU for being part of our volunteer/donor “village” that makes this project possible!

The Challenge . . . 400+ backpacks are needed in 11 months

Every year we wonder if we’ll have enough backpacks to give to 625+ students?  Our amazing SUPER SHOPPERS and SHERPA volunteers who visit Cozumel throughout the year have always filled the need.

This is the time of year when you can score the greatest discounts on backpacks for next school year.  After Labor Day in the US, store managers want to clear out their inventory to make room for holiday seasonal items.  Our volunteers have had success in asking for a manager for a discount on purchasing backpacks in quantity, at their local Walmart, Walgreens and office supply stores.  They may have 5 to over 200 backpacks available at $3.00 each or even less.  Be sure to keep your receipt to bring through customs. 

We group backpacks in three sizes according to grades:  Kinder – Primaria (elementary) grades 1-3; Primaria 4-6; and Secundaria (middle school) through University.  Thankfully we already have enough for Primaria 4-6 for next year. 

Our GREATEST NEED is 300 backpacks for secundaria – university (60 % female/40% male).  The next need is 100+ backpacks for kinder – primaria 1-3 (50+ girls; 50+ boys).  Colors/themes or prints that are unisex are very helpful.  The culture here has been very traditional in terms of male/female colors although we see that changing over time.  We also have online sources to order backpacks in cases of 24 that can be shipped to someone’s home who is coming to the island. 

If you know you will be visiting the island but shopping online or in person is not your thing . . . but you are willing to bring some backpacks when you visit the island, let us know your travel dates so we can funnel backpacks or supplies for you to bring.

Please check back often for the following series of postings:

• Calling Super Shoppers – Part 2 School Supplies Needed
• Results of 2023-24 School Supply Project
• Scholarships and University Students
• Volunteer Opportunities October-November 2023
• Save the Dates – Pre-Holiday Project and 2024-2025 School Distribution

We are in the process of renewing registrations of families for the 2023-24 school year.  We have nearly all the basic supplies to help 800 students on our list from last year.  Financial donations are used to purchase paper products locally.  Donations received from now until the distribution in August may allow us to add some families on our long waiting list. 

Thanks to our collaboration with the Chrysalis organization, there are several drop off sites located downtown, mid-town and south of town.  Drop Off Locations – Cozumel Chrysalis Group  Or feel free to contact us to meet you personally to receive your donations.

Special thanks to Jacqui Sargeant for her donation of backpacks.

Last week, we received another fantastic donation of 17 backpacks and school supplies from COZUMEL BAR HOP.   They are a wonderful supporter of education for children on the island as they collect donations on our behalf from their clients.

We are busy preparing for this year’s distribution of school supplies which will benefit nearly 800 total students.

GREATEST NEEDS:   While we gladly accept all supplies, the biggest needs for this August include:

• Backpacks for high school students (19” high x 5-6” deep)
• Yellow highlighters
• Black dry erase markers
• Geometry sets (full sets with protractor, compass, ruler, triangles)

Stay tuned for a blog detailing our drop-off sites.   If you are visiting by boat or plane, for a week or only a day, contact us and we will make arrangements to get any donations into our hands and ultimately the hands of the children for the coming school year.

We are blessed to receive a variety of donations to support Cozumel families in need.

Thanks to donors who recently brought backpacks to be distributed this summer to students in kindergarten through university.  Guests of Paradise Beach recently donated both backpacks and various school supplies.  Kim Trethewey brought a case of 24 backpacks we ordered and shipped to their home to bring on their Cozumel vacation.    

Rosy Vargas, co-owner of Pepe Scuba, provided a very generous donation of 100 meters of fleece fabric.  Friends of Cozumel volunteers will cut the fleece in lengths to the size of throw blankets to distribute next winter.  Many families we support live in very modest 1 or 2 room homes that do not have protection from strong winds or are not completely enclosed.

Armand Gautron and Leanne Pauch donated a good condition bike and helmet that we matched to a single mom with 5 children.  She is a hard worker and now has a full-time job cleaning at one of the hospitals to support her children.  She is one of the mothers who receives a “hand-up” through Diana’s SMILE (Single Mothers Independent Living Endowment) with the goal of helping her family to become self-sufficient.  The bike will provide transportation to/from her job and for the family to use for errands.  

Coming soon . . . our next posting about personal hygiene products provided to a special group of mothers.

It is high “tourist” season here and visitors are giving generously to the community.  Cozumel expects 35 cruise ships this week.  Full flights with families on spring break arrive daily.

A growing trend is adults of all ages coming to the island for longer stays of 2 or 3 weeks to 4+ months during the winter to enjoy tropical weather and volunteer their time.  Friends of Cozumel hosts Volunteer Thursdays, a 2-3 hour commitment a couple of times monthly.

A special shout out of THANKS for these recent wonderful donations . . .

• 6 backpacks of various donations from Volunteer Christian Builders delivered by cruisers Richard/Brenda Crosby and Friesen family
• 35+ backpacks filled with school supplies donated by Cozumel Barhop visitors
• ~300 backpacks donated by Bob/Linda Choura; delivered by Debi/Randy Bartkoski; Richard/Christine Underwood; Jerry/Ann Peters and Don/Ava Quinn
• 39 backpacks, color pencils, scientific calculators, brought by Larry/Karen Pedersen
• 50 scientific calculators by Tracey Kirsling-Hendricks & John Hendrickson
• 3 bags of reader eyeglasses from David Ritchie
• $ ongoing donation from Jamie/Doug Brown