As the season of giving kicked off, Carnival Cruise Line partnered with Rotary International to transport a major shipment of donated school supplies, books, shoes, sports equipment, wheelchairs and hygiene kits to children and families in Roatán, Honduras. The shipment, delivered aboard Carnival Jubilee, supports Rotary’s Empower the Girl program and will benefit students and schools across the island.
The donations were collected by Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs across North Texas. Volunteers spent several months gathering books, educational materials, feminine hygiene kits, sports equipment, shoes and other essential items to strengthen learning opportunities for local youth. Many of the donated books were recycled from school districts in North Texas and will help students in Roatán strengthen English-language skills that support future academic and vocational opportunities. The shipment included more than 20,000 books collected for students and families across the island. The hygiene kits, part of Rotary’s Empower the Girl initiative, help ensure that girls can confidently remain in school.
The shipment was welcomed at Mahogany Bay with support from the Municipality of Roatán, Agencia Naviera del Caribe (ANACARIBE), members of the Rotary Club of Roatán and Carnival’s local team. Roatán’s vice mayor and incoming Rotary Club president, Trudy Hilton, joined community partners to assist with offloading and distribution preparations.
“We’re honored to support Rotary’s efforts to expand opportunities for children and young women in Roatán,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Transporting these locally donated supplies aboard Carnival Jubilee reflects our commitment to the communities that welcome our ships and to the partners who work every day to make a meaningful difference. We are grateful to our crew and our colleagues in Roatán for helping bring this mission to life.”
“We are grateful for Carnival’s partnership, which helps Rotary volunteers bring meaningful resources to children and families in Roatán,” said Past District 5810 Governor Regina Edwards, who led the project. “Together, we are stronger.”
Rotary Club of Roatán President Christian Castro and local volunteers distributed the items to schools throughout the community and provide Days for Girls training as they deliver hygiene kits.
This delivery builds on a growing partnership between Carnival and Rotary International Districts. Since 2023, the collaboration has helped bring donations to children and families in Mexico, Honduras and The Bahamas, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening educational opportunities across the region.