Get Away to Give Back

Croftonites John and Jennifer Lagrotteria traveled to Mexico for a vacation with a charitable purpose.

The Lagrotterias used part of their vacation to get school supplies to the Transformar Educando program at the Community Education Center in Puerto Aventuras. They delivered reading books, Spanish-English dictionaries, notebooks, pens and backpacks to local children. Transformar Educando focuses on educating children living in poverty while preserving the Mayan culture.

John and Jennifer are co-founders of Charity Begins, a nonprofit organization using travelers to transport necessities to developing counties.

Charity Begins has operated out of Crofton since 2007 to help get supplies to 15 various nations in need. Jennifer Lagrotteria said it all began with a 2007 trip to Machu Picchu, Peru.

“We knew we were not going to use all of our allotted luggage space because we were on vacation and were only taking small carry-on luggage,” said Jennifer Lagrotteria. The couple contacted a U.S. based nonprofit organization called Soles 4 Souls to see if they could deliver shoes to Peru for them.

“They didn’t have a branch there but said that if we could find a charity in Peru, they would donate the shoes. Well, we found a charity in Lima and as promised Soles 4 Souls shipped us 80 pairs of shoes,” Jennifer Lagrotteria said. “Thus, the idea for Charity Begins was born. “

Jennifer Lagrotteria said since then they have formed connections with other nonprofits, thrift shops, schools, libraries and individuals with donations of new and lightly used goods.

“We then match up these donations with local travelers to make sure the goods get to the most appropriate nonprofit organization in developing countries,” Jennifer Lagrotteria said.

“Whether it’s getting shoes and clothing to an orphanage, or school supplies to a school in need, a little goes a long way,” said Jennifer Lagrotteria.  “If the traveler is from Maryland, New York, or New Jersey we can supply them with the goods, and the bags.”

Charity Begins volunteers are backpackers, tourists and business travelers.

“We have many repeat travelers who enjoy meeting the nonprofits and making the deliveries,” said Jennifer Lagrotteria. “Others choose to leave the bags at their hotel for the charity to pick-up. Either way it’s a win-win for both the charity and the traveler.” 

Jennifer Lagrotteria said she never has a hard time motivating travelers to use their vacation to make a difference.

“They don’t need motivation, just a reminder that it’s possible, it’s easy and it’s free. The reward is tremendous,” she said.