You've filed your I-600A, completed your homestudy, joined an on-line e-mail group for the country you are adopting from and are now thinking, "what next?" With all that pent-up energy that you now have, the logical next step is to start gathering donations for your child’s orphanage. This is an important part of the process and one that will be greatly appreciated by the hard working caretakers and the children who remain behind in the orphanage. Please give yourself adequate time to prepare.

The following is a "most requested items" list that has been compiled by talking to many adoption agencies. Please look it over and consider bringing less "stuff" with you on your journey, and instead make room for what is really needed.

NEEDED MOST:

antibiotic ointment

topical barrier cream (Desitin)

topical antiseptic (Caladryl, Bactine)

gloves, sterile and non-sterile

petroleum jelly

stethoscopes

sterile gauze wrap, pads

lip ointment

Band-Aids

otoscopes

blood pressure cuffs

thermometers

paper tape, surgical

burn ointment

skin cream

infant liquid vitamins

chewable vitamins for children over age 2 years

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES

wash cloths

toothbrushes

nail clippers

hair bands, barrettes, combs

new shoes and boots of all sizes

handknit clothing- sweaters, vests, socks, hats, mittens

new underwear sizes for 12 months to 16 years

large inflatable balls with pump

collapsible tunnels and cubes (mazes)

educational/developmental toys*

pull-push toys

wind-up music boxes

puzzles, sorting toys

rattles, teething rings

art supplies- crayons, clay, markers

coloring mats (erasable)

safety scissors

Matchbox sized cars, trucks

picture books with little or no text

cards, jacks, jump ropes, balls

Beanie-Baby sized plush animals

IMPORTANT NOTE:Most medical supplies will go unused without a proper translation. Please tape a translation of directions and indications for use onto the item donated. RainbowKids.com is attempting to put together a translation area for this purpose.