Pack for a Purpose

We are proud members of , an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a little space in your suitcase to bring supplies for projects we support, you can make a huge difference in the lives of our local communities and its environment. Pack for a Purpose is a wonderful way to connect to your travel destination by showing your support and appreciation for its people and environment.

Homes in El Bajo de los Anonos, San José, Costa Rica.

Central America Vacation utilizes Pack for a Purpose to support Lifting Hands, a foundation located in our San José, Costa Rica community. Lifting Hands is a center where impoverished residents of the Bajo de los Anonos community can learn from and be motivated by volunteers like ourselves who share their time, expertise and experience with both children and adults. In the case of children, Lifting Hands creates a safe and fun learning environment where school-aged children from 5-years to 16-years are taught various classes and workshops through the assistance of volunteers. Classes and workshops range from English, computers, mathematics, arts, dance, yoga, cooking, swimming, physical education, Jiu Jitsu, and much more. Lifting Hands creates a dynamic after school environment that keeps kids off the streets where negative influences are more prevalent in their impoverished community. The adult parents are offered classes and workshops that focus on creating employment opportunities and teaching healthy family lifestyle practices. These adult workshops range from sewing, food preparation, and business development.

Lifting Hands party with kids and volunteers.

How you can help: use space in your luggage to bring needed supplies.

You can support our initiative with Lifting Hands by packing a few needed supplies in your luggage. As soon as you arrive to Costa Rica you’ll be met by our private transport to take you to your first destination. You can simply leave your supplies with the driver and they will get them to us here in San Jose. By doing so you’ll be helping local community projects AND allocating space in your luggage for souvenir purchases to bring back home (think coffee and chocolate!). Please click here to see what supplies are currently needed by Lifting Hands.

Ballet classes offered at Lifting Hands.

Visit or volunteer in local community projects.

Let us know if you’d like to visit Lifting Hands during your time in San José. You can join one of our volunteer classes, hang out with the children, tour the Anonos community, and/or bring your donations directly to the foundation center.

Lifting Hands currently offers around 100 courses throughout the week by over 150 volunteers to nearly 200 students.

We hope to continue adding more projects in all the countries we represent that will involve our guests and contribute to Central America’s communities and environment.

Thank you for your support!

~The Central America Vacation Team & everyone at Lifting Hands

The CAV team teaches a weekly cooking class to adolescents.