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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Discovery Zone

by tacogirl 21/05/2008
written by tacogirl 21/05/2008
San Pedro Belize beach pictures

A couple of years ago, Ed and I were at a grand opening for a friend’s business that is housed in a local warehouse space. In the corner of the space, utilizing about 4 bays, was a playground that had previously been used in a local indoor play-land for children, called Discovery Zone. We both immediately thought of Holy Cross and what a nice addition this would be for the kids. We made an inquiry with our friends about ownership, etc. as it seemed a waste for this equipment just to be sitting collecting dust. They informed us that the playground was owned by a church in Louisiana and that this organization was one of their best paying customers, making rent payments every month for the 4 spaces the equipment was stored in. We made sure they knew that if the church ever wanted to get rid of the set and donate it, we would be interested in talking with them.

Fast forward to about 8 months ago and I received a call from a person at the church asking if we would still be interested in taking ownership of the playground as a donation. I indicated that we would definitely be interested and asked what needed to be done to take possession. We worked back and forth for a few months with the church and the landlord of the rental space the playground was in. We were finally able to work out an arrangement to take possession and relieve the church of the monthly rental payment and remove the equipment from the warehouse space.

We started looking at possible shipping options to get the equipment to San Pedro on our own but could not seem to make the right contacts. Ed made an inquiry with some of the vendors he uses for his job. Yellow Freight stepped up and offered to donate the shipping costs from St. Louis to a port in Texas where the equipment could then make the next leg of the trip. We were again having issues with the set up to transfer the equipment from one trailer to another at a mutually agreed upon time and place and Yellow Freight once again stepped up to the plate and donated a 48 Ft. Trailer to transport the equipment, and would still donate the shipping costs. In addition to the trailer and shipping, Yellow put a call out to some of their vendors and came up with about 4+ skids of office and/or school supplies. Their employees also showed up at the warehouse to start the work of loading the trailer.

The company we work for also donated several cases of hand sanitizing products that filled up another skid. Our daughter is a 3rd grade school teacher and she posted a note asking for donations from the other teachers that she works with and came up with several boxes of items. We put a note out to our co-workers asking for donations, etc. One co-worker donated several items that she used when she was a Girl Scout leader, that gives detail and ideas on craft projects, some shoes, a computer, gum, just anything she thought could be used at the school. We also had another co-worker that contacted the vendor we use to supply our first aid cabinets and we were able to acquire a pickup truck bed load of first aid supplies. This co-worker also showed up to help load the equipment.

We spent about 5 days in January sorting and loading all the pieces. The temperatures for those days was hovering in the teens or in single digits. We had help from lots of different areas, the Yellow Freight employees, our co-workers, some personal friends and relatives that gave their time and effort to help with the loading.

We still have quite a few cases of hand sanitizing products in our garage and we will transport that to the truck as soon as we are sure the weather has stabilized and there is no fear of freezing as some of this product cannot be frozen. Along with the first aid and hand sanitizers, we have about 20 pairs of children’s shoes we found on sale and purchased.

The trailer is being stored at the Yellow Freight terminal in St. Louis until we have all arrangements in place to get the equipment and the numerous donations all the way to San Pedro.

By Dita aka Sandy – Photos courtesy of Sandy and Ed

Discovery Zone parts

Kids will love it

Play-land

Packing up extra donations

Every inch was used to fill trailer

Packed full

Play-land parts

Medical and school supplies

Ed packing trailer

I was not going to say anything in addition to what Dita wrote, but after a recent tour of San Mateo with Colomojo and her husband I felt like it would be a good idea to explain just how important what Dita Ed and all their friends and everyone else who has gotten involved so far to help get the Discovery Zone and all the supplies packed up ready to come here.

I thought about all the things I could write about why this is such a great thing and how much the kids are going to love it – I decided to walk up to the San Mateo this morning and let a few pictures speak on my behalf – they really tell the story.

Side note : While I was taking pictures 2 different guys from the area got to talking to me – both agreed this was a much needed thing and were glad that people are thinking about the neighborhood and the kids.

These shots were taken today may 21, 2008.

Please keep in mind that although rainy season is here, it has not been raining at all when these pictures were taken.

To wet to play in yard

Most yards in San Mateo are filled with water and muck

Future Holy Cross student – she will enjoy play-land for many years to come

Waterlogged yards – imagine how it will be after rain starts.

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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7 comments

Vanessa 18/03/2009 - 7:20 am

Totally I was speechless when I was reading this article. Well done buddy. Best of luck !

Reply
tacogirl 15/09/2008 - 4:33 pm

so true michele

agreed anon

thanks heatherinparadise we are all awaiting the moment they start to climb and play it is so needed for the neighborhood

Reply
heatherinparadise 23/05/2008 - 3:50 pm

I was a manager at a Discovery Zone in the early 90s…and I can tell you, unequivocally, those kids are going to be THRILLED. What a wonderful thing, I can’t WAIT to see the pics of the kids playing!!

Well done, all!

Reply
Anonymous 22/05/2008 - 4:51 pm

I read the article on San Pedro Daily. Thank God that they can create awareness.

Reply
Michele in Playa 21/05/2008 - 10:05 pm

What a wonderful donation!! So much effort from so many caring people restores my faith in humanity!! Bravo!! I can’t wait to see the playground in use!!

Reply
tacogirl 21/05/2008 - 9:34 pm

Thanks lisaloveloca – so many hands from all over the globe helping the school and these kids it is great to watch and be a part of.

Reply
lisaloveloca 21/05/2008 - 8:27 pm

I totally chocked up reading this post! Good work you guys! *sniff* What you do really makes a difference!

Reply

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
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Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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