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Thanks Amanda. No photocopiers, just pens and small things like that.

I can't believe how difficult it is for someone outside the country to try to help these kids.

Well believe it. We have lost several medical groups that used to come down and give free Medical and Dental services due to Immigration charging such high Duty on the medical supplies they were bringing in and the tough time to get in the country some dont come anymore. The Belize way of thinking, and it does have some truth to it,is that if you bring in school supplies for free, if a huge number of do gooders started to do it. It would hurt the economy here, our stationary stores would go out of business. If Doctors, Dentist, Vets started to come here in large numbers to give free services, it would hurt the economy.
I do not agree with this way of thinking, but The Caye Caulker Humane Society has run into this attitude with other clinics in Belize. We dont charge anyone at all for Vet care if they cant afford it. It is working here, but other Belizean Vets are not happy with us.
Anyway, get in the nothing to declare line, if they say anything just be polite and say they are gifts for the school children..you probably will have no problem at all and Thank You..

The kids at Liberty Children's Home in Ladyville definitely need school supplies as well as daily life supplies like skin lotion, toothpaste, shampoo.
Liberty is located in Ladyville, about 5 minutes from the International Airport. If you wish to make a donation to these children I can make arrangements for you to be able to drop the items off right when you arrive. PM me for details on how to do this.
For info on Liberty - <www.libertychildrenbelize.org>

Cooper-Thanks for the insight and advice.

Is there a store in Belize City or San Pedro where an outsider could purchase school supplies? This would eliminate the customs issues, support the local economy and get the school supplies to the kids in need.

A&R and Caye Supplies on the island both have school supplies, there is also a stationary shop around the corner from Ritche's store right in Wet Willy's area.

In Belize City, The Angelus Press is probably the biggest retailer of stationery and school supplies.

Several other smaller stores along the City's main streets will have pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, etc.

Just a little follow up: I was in San Pedro last week. I didn't have any problem getting through customs.

I delivered the items I brought to the volunteer coordinator at Holy Cross Anglican School on Tuesday. It all worked out well. Thanks to all of you for your advice and guidance.