What kinds of items do you need?
We need new or used (but functional) children's helmets. Helmets are our first priority, but if there are any other kinds of protective gear like elbow pads or knee pads, those would be appreciated too.
What sizes of helmets do you need?
The child jockeys are usually 5-13 years old so the size of helmets should fit that age range. Usually a size small is appropriate.
Does it matter what brand or color the helmets are?
No.
Where do I send the helmets?
They can be sent directly to Mongolia. Please email Kara Estep (iheartmongolia@gmail.com) for the address.
Will children wear the helmets?
It is mandated by national law that children competing in the Naadam horse races must wear protective riding helmets; however this law is not currently being enforced in much of the country. Authorities have started enforcing this law in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, but these helmets will go more rural parts of Mongolia.
The organization that Kara works with, the Department for Children, has done education and awareness raising about this issue in the past, but there were very few helmets available. In 2010 the first batch of helmets that Kara collected were loaned out for the horse races at the Naadam festival. Department for Children staff talked with the horse trainers and families directly about the importance of the helmets. Some people were slightly hesitant about the helmets, but for the most part they were all received with gratitude. Still, not all children wore the helmets, but many did. With each consecutive year the project is implemented, more and more children will wear the helmets.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Unfortunately, no, your donation is not tax-deductible. Your donations are being made to the Department for Children, the organization that Peace Corps Volunteer Kara Estep works with. This organization is a Mongolian government organization, therefore the IRS does not recognize it as an eligible organization for tax-deductible donations.
Why aren't you getting donations directly from helmet companies or distributors?
The companies that have been contacted have said they will only make tax-deductible donations and Kara Estep and the organization she works with are not eligible for these. However, Kara is trying to create a partnership with an international non-profit organization. Hopefully a partnership can be created and tax-deductible donations can be made to that NGO on behalf of this project. Perhaps more connections with helmet companies and distributors can be made at that point.
Where can I get more information?
Kara Estep can be contacted at iheartmongolia@gmail.com.
