Sending pens to Africa is easy.
We encourage you to send pens directly to a Pens For Kids Ambassador of your choice or send them to us and we’ll ship them for you. Sending clothing, shoes or other valuables while greatly appreciated, however, most of these items cost less in Africa. Additionally, Ambassadors may be charged taxes, duties, administration fees, etc. There are three ways we encourage you to send pens: shipping to Africa directly, sending pens to PFK office in the U.S., or donating the shipping cost. Below are details for each option:
How to ship pens to Africa directly:
- Select an Ambassador
- Be sure to notify the ambassador that a package is coming – if packages are left at the post office for more than a day or two the ambassador may be charged a fee.
- UPSP Priority International Mail
- Standard international priority shipping boxes are available for free from the USPS. Shipping costs $51 per standard priority mail box to ship from the US to most African countries.
- Boldly Mark the Box “Pens For Kids”
- In addition to the Ambassador’s address, be sure to clearly mark the box “Pens For Kids” to facilitate clearing African customs.
- List the value as “$0”
- On the customs form, list the value as “$0” and do not request for the box, if unclaimed, to be returned to you. Both of these indications likely trigger the receiving post office to charge the ambassador customs or storage fees.
- Ship your Pens For Kids!
- It takes 3-4 weeks for a package to travel from the United States and arrive in Africa.
-
DO NOT send cash or other items in boxes of pens!
If you send cash in a package marked “Pens For Kids,” it may jeopardize the Ambassador’s ability to receive packages.
If African customs departments or local African postal services discover cash or other items in a box marked “Pens For Kids” it increases the potential for theft of future packages.
How to ship pens to the Pens For Kids office:
We accept used and new pen of every type, color, size, shape and quantity. Shipping costs to Africa from the United States is costly and through our network of volunteers and generous donations, we are able to ship pens to Africa for you. All you need to do is get them to us.
Pens For Kids – USA
Attention: Linda Schaffer
2225 Josie Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815
USA
How to donate shipping cost:
Pens For Kids International, Inc. has no paid employees and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2008. A 100% volunteer-based organization we rely on donations to help pay for shipping costs. We gratefully accept donations to assist with shipping costs. A letter of acknowledgement will be sent for all contributions. Make checks payable to and mail to:
Pens For Kids International, Inc.
2225 Josie Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815 USA
All donations are 100% tax deductible
For more information or to speak with someone personally, please contact Linda Schaffer , Executive Director
Pens For Kids International, Inc.(562) 431-0103.
Download shipping form here