"I'll show you the essentials that I always send." With this phrase, China Reyes (@chinareyes1604), a Cuban residing in the United States, has taken TikTok by storm by sharing a video with practical tips for putting together packages to send to the island, all sourced from Dollar Tree.
This type of content, common and greatly appreciated by many Cubans, reflects how the scarcity in Cuba drives emigrants to act like worker ants, laden with burdens to support their families.
In the video, China walks through the store aisles and recommends products that, in her experience, are useful and easy to ship: “Let's start with these scrubbing sponges that I love; they're excellent, along with these scouring pads that come with detergent included.” She also mentions a small Dawn detergent that she believes is more effective than the larger ones: “It's tiny, but it's one of the ones that generates the most foam. The big ones are useless.”
The list includes Suave deodorants, acetaminophen, Advil, razors, antibacterial gel, panty liners, and even power outlets and extensions, which are essential for managing the "ups and downs of electricity" on the island. "This extension is a bit small, but still, it can be used for something," she explains.
The video generated several reactions in the comments. One user pointed out, “I want to know if I’m the only one who thinks that detergent smells like cockroaches when it dries.” Another replied, “I like it because it cleans grease well, but I have noticed that smell on the scrub sponge.” Some recommended alternatives: “I recommend Palmolive dishwashing detergents.”
On the other hand, there were those who appreciated the content from China. "Excellent video," commented one follower, while another wrote, "Your video was amazing, you inspired me."
The video by China Reyes, like many others of this kind, has captured the attention of Cubans both on the island and abroad, demonstrating how everyday activities, such as packing a package, can become a genuine display of support amidst the scarcity affecting families in Cuba.
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