What is PWM and to whom will my donations be given?

The items donated are being sent to Providence World Ministries (PWM) in Honduras. Our plan is to eventually expand beyond Honduras and work with other countries. PWM is an international Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to orphaned children, widows and the poor. Our goal is to enable those we serve to become devoted followers of Christ and to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to their own people.

How will my donations be shared?

In a number of ways: once your donation is received at its international location, PWM has a store where your donations will be on display for selection. Some who receive your donation will be those who volunteer for PWM and have earned Providence’s currency, Providenciales, which is worth three times a day’s pay. Providenciales is more like a voucher and not a government regulated currency. In helping families keep their dignity instead of receiving a hand out, they may come and volunteer at the PWM campus and receive Providenciales for whatever amount of time they have volunteered. This is a great opportunity for families who don’t have the resources to provide basic needs for themselves to meet their needs while having the flexibility to work at will. Volunteers commit as long as they like. PWM also works with other missionaries and some have ministries where your donations may be shared. No matter what the donation is, PWM will find good use for it.

Why Honduras?

Besides Honduras being the first international site for PWM, Honduras is expected to have an additional 65,000 orphans by the end of 2009. PWM is strategically planning and preparing to respond to these tragic conditions, as well as for community development in areas where PWM is presently working. This is an opportunity for the church body and other organizations in our area to be actively involved with the work in Honduras, using our gifts and resources with which God has blessed us.

I want to start a Providence in a Box Campaign with my Church/Organization, how do we get started?

Thanks for your interest. We are very excited to work with you! Please contact Nikita Jones at PIB@ProvidenceWorldMinistries.org.

Do I have to be a Church, a Christian or a Christian organization to participate with Providence in a Box?

Absolutely not, while Providence in a Box often works with churches and Christians, if you want to donate your time and talents in working with Providence in a Box we welcome you and thank you for your interest.

Is my monetary donation to PIB tax deductible?

Absolutely, you may contact Brenda Potts at BPotts@providenceworldministries.org for a receipt for your tax deduction.

Why am I asked to include $20 with my box donation?

While we thank you for any donation that you are able to provide, we ask for the $20 donation to cover the expense of the box as well as shipping expenses involved with getting your donation materials to its destination in assisting orphans, widows and the community surrounding the Providence World Ministries site.

I have my box filled with my donations, where do I return my box?

The church or organization in which you received your box to participate in PIB will also be collecting your box with its completed label. Please contact your local Providence in a Box Coordinator.

Why is it important to fill out the box contents label indicating what materials I have placed in a box for donation?

In complying with host country government regulations and customs requirements, PIB is asked to provide a detailed description of donated items. Your completion of the box contents label assures that your donation will be received by the community it is intended for as quickly as possible. We at PIB really appreciate every step you take in helping us get your donation to its destination.

I have a question but there is no answer on this list of FAQs.
How do I get an answer to my question?

Feel free to contact Nikita Jones. You may contact her by e-mail at PIB@ProvidenceWorldMinistries.org.

What do you mean when you ask for a 5% sample count?

Before completing the 5% sample count, please count the total number of filled boxes. Thereafter take 5% of the total boxes that you have and count the contents inside of each box that makes up 5%. You should not have to literally count the contents of 5% of your total number of boxes. You should be able to do your 5% sample count based on box content labels which each donor should have used to document donated items. An example of a 5% sample count is, if your total sum of boxes is 800 you would count out 5% of the 800 boxes, or 40 boxes, and using the box contents label document the contents of each box and the total number of items. After completing your sample count please multiply the totals of each item by the total number of boxes you have. Thereafter document the number of each item on your dock receipt form.

How can I be involved further with PWM and PIB?

Here at PIB we are excited that you want to do more to help us help others! Here are a couple of options of how you can help:

• Pray for the children, families and communities who will receive your contribution.
• To find out how to see pictures of clothes distributions in Honduras e-mail us at PIB@providenceworldmnistries.org. Also you can read about PWM on our website at
  www.providenceworldministries.org.
• Donate funds specifically for Bible purchases, missionary support and efforts, ministry support, etc.
• Consider sending or participating in a work team, presently building an orphanage campus in Aguas del Padre, near Siguatepeque, Honduras.
• If you would like to participate with Providence in a Box for any time period, please e-mail us at PIB@providenceworldministries.org with your name and the type of involvement you would like to discuss (i.e. run a PIB campaign, volunteer, receive updates, learn more about PIB) so that we may continue to partner together.

Are there any additional things I should keep in mind when filling up my donation box for PIB?

We at Providence in a Box are greatly appreciative of any form of donation that you are able to contribute and all donations are accepted; please keep in mind the following:

• Make your donation payable to your local congregation or organization who is participating with Providence in a Box.
• For donations going to Honduras, we’ve found that men’s big and tall clothing and shoes (usually XXXL) are often not selected at the Providence Store due to the smaller stature of Honduran men.
• In Honduras, Spanish Bibles are preferred.