Q. Where will I go as a Team Member of Anchor of Hope Charities?
A. To Zambia, Africa. The purpose of the May 2010 trip is to offer a FREE CLINIC and begin the foundation for the Boarding School to be constructed in 2010.

Our July 2009 trip resulted in unparalleled success. Whether it was through simple acts, such as playing with the children, or significant undertakings like lacing up shoes for the children, our determined team members used their talents and time to the fullest. Travelers participated in a local and free health clinic, offered services at the University Teaching Hospital in the capital city of Lusaka, held infants at Mother Teresa’s Orphanage, purchased handmade jewelry and crafts from the children at the orphanages visited, and played with the children in Kabwa. With team members traveling to Zambia throughout the month of July, not a day went by without great progress.

Q. Who can become a Team Member?
A. Our team members range in age from 12-72! They have been students, doctors, teachers, moms, dads, social workers, nurses, and grandmothers. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to have a parent accompany you. This is a great experience for families!


Q. What will I do as a Team Member?
A. Our trips provide service to underprivileged and orphaned children. They are typically 15 days in length and the dates are determined by AOH. Team members are selected by our Project Team Leaders. A team is typically made up of 4-10 men, women and/or teenagers. Team members travel together, work together, stay in a boarding house or in a dorm at one of our program sites and share meals together. Each team is led by an experienced Team Leader. We arrange in country travel, housing, meals and work sites.


Q. How do I apply to be a team member?
A. You can apply by completing this application - Application for Team Members. After you complete the application, submit it through the Anchor Of Hope Charities website. All applications are reviewed weekly and you will be contacted by a team leader, usually within 10 days of our receipt of your application.


Q. Is there a deadline for submitting applications?
A. Not really, but the teams fill up quickly so don't delay. We will begin to review applications and selecting team members by March for the team leaving in May 2010.


Q. How often do you schedule Building Trips?
A. Typically we offer one trip in the early spring and one in the fall. The schedule varies from year to year; please check the website for current postings.


Q. What types of things will I be doing on a TRIP?
A. Some activities our volunteers have participated in include:
• Teaching K-6th grade orphans and underprivileged children in classroom settings. Classes may include language, math, history, music, art, recreation, hygiene, first aid, and HIV/AIDS awareness/prevention
• Conducting medical screenings in villages. Offering clinical services at free clinics or at the University Teaching Hospital
• Assisting with building efforts and construction projects
• Assisting with agriculture, painting, plumbing, and household repairs
• Holding, feeding and caring for babies in the orphanages
• Training children in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and small business opportunities
Team member tasks are matched with the interests and expertise of team members so each trip may have a slightly different focus.

Q. How much does it cost to participate?
A. The cost of the trip will vary a bit depending on your airfare, which fluctuates from year to year and season to season. Trip costs are broken down as follows:
• Airfare to and from Lusaka, Zambia
• Ground transportation and accommodations. Your registration fee will be applied towards these costs.
• Food
You may elect to add on an adventure experience such as a safari or trip to Victoria Falls at the end of your trip at your own expense. We can give you the names of several local travel companies to assist you if you choose this option. OR, you can plan this excursion with the team.

Other costs you will incur that are NOT included in the above fee schedule: passport, visa, shots, & souvenirs.

Q. Am I expected to raise money for the trip?
A. No, Each participant IS however, encouraged to raise funds for the erecting of the 2010 Boarding School
We will provide a sponsor letter which you can give to friends, family, businesses and co-workers. AOH is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. 100% of the money raised in your behalf goes towards the BOARDING SCHOOL. Some volunteers have held garage sales, car washes, service auctions, and fun runs to cover trip costs. Others have received funds from local Rotary, Lions, Kiwanas and other service clubs.


Q. How much does it cost to register?
A. Participants are required to submit a non-refundable deposit to secure their space on the trip. This deposit will be used for lodging and on ground travel expenses for the duration of the trip.


Q. What are my personal expenses as a participant in 2010?
A. Accommodations and travel expenses (above the deposit) are minimal. (see Program posting) Each traveler should also be prepared to pay for meals. As a rule of thumb, mean costs are comparable with a conservative restaurant in the US (example: Bob Evans)

Prior to the trip, participants are expected to pay for any travel supplies, health vaccinations/medications, passport/passport renewal, travel insurance, and the transportation costs to and from Lusaka, Zambia.


Q. What are the accommodations like during the trip?
A. Accommodations will be double, triple, or quadruple occupancy rooms. More information on specific accommodations will be available through the Program posting.

Q. What supplies will I need to bring?
A. All registered team participants will be sent a suggested supply list. This list includes recommendations on clothing, personal items, and items for the children if they desire.


Q. How are my sponsors recognized by the Charity for their donations?
A. All donors receive confirmation of their tax-deductible donation from the Charity. For those who send checks to the Charity, an acknowledgement letter from the Charity will be sent as confirmation of their donation. Donors who make a donation online with a credit card will receive an acknowledgement letter by e-mail. This e-mail confirms the donation and also serves as a receipt for tax purposes


Q. Can I accept matching gifts from companies to help in my fund raising?
A. Yes! Many employers sponsor matching gifts programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. The Foundation's 501(c)(3) tax identification number is 65-1316232.


Q. What happens if I start raising money but decide not to participate in the event?
A. Participants who raise money to support the FREE CLINIC and BUILDING TRIP may have circumstances arise that prevent them from participating in the event. However, all funds raised will still be used to support the Charities mission in providing services for underprivileged and orphaned children.

Q. Who can I contact with additional questions about the May 2010 Trip?
A. If you have further questions, please contact judy@anchorofhopecharities.org