Darda can refer to:

• DARDA, Dominica American Relief and Development Association
• Darda (toy), a car racing set made in Germany.
• Darda Municipality, a municipality in eastern Croatia.
• Darda, a village in eastern Croatia.
• Darda (card game), a card game closely related to Klabberjass

This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.

== DARDA, Dominica American Relief and Development Association ==


DARDA is an acronym for the Dominica-American Relief and Development Association, Inc. The association was organized on June 28, 1981 by a group of concerned Dominicans living in and around the New York area. After the destruction wrought by Hurricane David various individuals and groups were involved in raising funds to assist in the rebuilding of Dominica. It was from this effort, and at the request of Bam and Wilfred Shillingford, that the idea of a new organization originated. This group, originally known as "Friends of Dominica," then went about the business of attaining official status. On September 25, 1981 it was duly established and registered as a not-for-profit corporation, officially known as the Dominica-American Relief and Development Association, Inc. (DARDA).

DARDA is a 501© (3) registered as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of New York.<br /><br /><br />

DARDA PROJECTS
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DARDA has lent support to several worthwhile causes on the island of Dominica. Some of its major recipients have been...

The Alpha Centre

The Dominica Infirmary

The Northern District Home For The Aged

The Dominica Red Cross

The Social Centre (including the establishment of a library for the Pre-*School Education Program)

St. Ann's Day Nursery

The Princess Margaret Hospital

REACH (Reaching Elderly Abandoned Citizens that are Homebound)

The Education Trust Fund

The Roseau Public Library

Various public schools across the island

DARDA has initiated several of its own projects. The most rewarding are the Annual Christmas Toy Drive, which yields hundreds of toys for the underprivileged children of Dominica, and The Book Drive, which helps to establish book collections in various parts of the island. In addition to the existing programs, in the coming year DARDA will focus on one new initiative: The computerization of Dominica's libraries.<br /><br /><br />

CURRENT INITIATIVES
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National Day Celebration<br />
One of DARDA's main objectives is the preservation of Dominica's rich cultural heritage here in America. Each year on the first Sunday in November, DARDA celebrates Dominica's Independence with a National Day gala. The National Day Celebration is planned so that parents, children, family and friends can come together in a great cultural experience to enjoy our music, traditional dances, stories and national dress. This celebration helps to promote a greater understanding of Dominica's rich heritage. Proceeds from the celebration benefit various needy causes in Dominica.<br /><br />

Annual Toy Drive<br />
DARDA’s annual toy drive is a continuous effort by Dominicans living in America to bring the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children of the island of Dominica. Toys are collected each year and shipped to the island at Christmastime to be distributed among the poor villages. To ensure that many benefit from the Toy Drive, DARDA distributes the toys to different villages each year. This is DARDA’s attempt to reach each child, one village at a time.

In 2005, DARDA members collected and purchased over 1300 toys for the annual toy drive. Seventeen barrels of toys and party goods toys were shipped to Dominica. As a result, DARDA was able to provide 30 villages (including Petit Savanne, LaPlaine, Marigot, Laudat, Pichelin, Salybia and Vielle Case) with approximately 40 to 100 toys each. DARDA was also able to provide the Social Center with toys as well. Children ranging in age from 18 months to 12 years received gifts including stuffed animals, dolls, miniature cars and trucks, board games, jump ropes, balls, and other fun toys. Each child also received a treat bag filled with candy canes, chocolate and other sweet treats.<br /><br />

Annual Book Drive<br />
DARDA recognizes the importance of instilling in children the love of reading and learning. DARDA's annual book drive is a continuous effort to help make a difference in the lives of children in Dominica, West Indies by exposing them to the magical world that books provide. All books are donated to the Dominica Public Library System and will benefit various parts of the island.

In September 2002, DARDA contributed to the establishment of the Social Centre Pre-School Library - presenting books, posters and other library materials.<br /><br /><br />

MEMBERS
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DARDA is run by an executive board.

President - Lorna Phillips

Vice-President - Hermia Carrette

Treasurer - Alison Giraud

Secretary - Sandra Norris

Public Relations Officer - Caryl Greaves-Bowen

Other Members: Ray Benjamin, Grace Bruney, Chev Carrette, Albert Deschamps, Marilyn Garraway, Daisy Norris, Glenn Norris, Cecilia McIntyre, Franklin McIntyre, Janelle McIntyre, Lisa McIntyre, Shelley McIntyre, Wendy Phillips, Nicole Phillips-Sharpe.<br /><br />

Local Chapter<br />
DARDA receives numerous requests for assistance both from individuals and organized groups in Dominica. DARDA's policy, however, is to assist only organizations and requests channeled through organizations and groups. In order to assist in reviewing these requests, DARDA established a local chapter in Roseau in February, 1986. Requests for assistance are channeled through the local chapter in Roseau where they are reviewed and forwarded to New York with recommendations. The local chapter also assists in the appropriate distribution of funds.

Kenneth Richards is the current President of the local sub-committee. Other local chapter members include Monica Alexander, Denise Defoe, Hughette Giraud, Kathleen Trotter, and Jennifer White.