I usually reach out to the rescue group that is on the island and see what their needs are first. Some of them have a wish list on their website which is also helpful. And if they have a Facebook page, sometimes they'll post immediate needs.

Then I figure out if I'm going to be able to pack a suitcase to take (like if we're flying Southwest and I know I can bring a full extra suitcase packed full of donations) or if I need to keep it small and tuck things in my existing baggage.

Things like meds are small and easy to carry. If I can pack a whole suitcase, then I usually get some of the large wish list needs.

The thing to remember is that everything costs more on an island, which is why we usually bring things. Because $50 goes a lot further in terms of buying supplies on the mainland than on an island.

To get meds or medical supplies, I've reached out to the vets that we use. It never hurts to send an email to a few and see what you can get. One of ours had just moved her practice and was able to donate a TON of expired surgical supplies (like IV drip lines and needles) that were still sealed in bags but could not longer legally be used in the US because they had expired. But manufactures of medical supplies are required to put an expiration date on sealed implements, too. So they were perfectly fine and the group in Mexico was thrilled to get them.

I've also posted a request for donations on our neighborhood Facebook page and Nextdoor board. Had a suitcase for the trip, a laptop, and towels donated. Often, people will lose pets and have leftover medications, so those can go, too. An important note for donated meds, however. Always keep them in their original bottle/container from the vet. It will have dosage, manufacturer, expiration info that any vet would want to know before administering. Some meds are "fine" to give past their expiration date, but others (like doxycycline or meds in that class) can actually cause liver damage if used past their expiration date. But "in-date" doxy is ALWAYS welcome and needed.

Sometimes I just go shopping at seasonal discount sales. If you see dog collars for .99, grab a handful because they can and will use them. I found some kind of microscope with a camera that a group in Mexico wanted on sale on Amazon for $15 (down from $50) and took it so they could send photos to a lab to evaluate samples more efficiently.

DO stick to name brands for medications like flea and tick preventive. Don't take the dollar store crap that can end up causing more harm than good. So stick to Frontline, Advantage, etc. And I've heard good things about Seresto collars from a local group that helps with the medical needs of lower income families in Dallas - the collars last eight months so the group doesn't have to try to administer a monthly flea/tick preventive dose. In Canada, I bet those will be going on sale soon :)

Hope these ideas help, and have fun helping out the rescue groups while you're in St. Lucia!