"Thank you so much for donating a sewing machine to the grandmother of Ndagire, a little girl who lives in Kasangati, Uganda. The machine was received with great joy by the family. It will be used by the grandmother to provide an income as she is now the sole carer for 11 of her grandchildren."

In January this container of 24 bicycles, 145 sewing machines and an assortment of tool kits was sent to Faith’s Orphanage in Kitwe, Zambia by the charity Tools With A Mission (T.W.A.M.).

It is just over a year since Janet Nunn took over the local collections for T.W.A.M. and it has been a revelation. She is constantly amazed by where all the tools come from and is so grateful to everyone for contributing to its success. Not only do we look after the environment by not sending things to landfill but, as the above quote shows, we help other people to learn a skill to earn their own living. Janet had three collections in 2010, the most popular items being bicycles and sewing machines. Her predecessor collected 100 sewing machines, a figure Janet hopes to reach this year too. "My total so far is 63, but I hope to complete my 100 in 2011", she said.

There is a dedicated group of volunteers who do the deliveries and work in the warehouse at Ipswich, Suffolk. "Every time I receive the T.W.A.M. quarterly newsletter there are stories of how all the goods are dealt with". You can view the newsletter online at www.twam.co.uk. The website has lots of information about the charity too.

Apart from all the usual items (bicycles, sewing machines, DIY tools, garden tools) which Janet has been collecting, the list now includes knitting wool, patterns, needles, buttons, ribbons, lace, tape measures, thimbles and scissors; tapestry and embroidery materials and kits; and curtains in good condition. Janet has patterns for knitting small jumpers and vests for children, and squares for cot blankets, as well as a cupboard full of the necessary wool. All she needs is some volunteers! With spring cleaning on many people’s minds, please think about T.W.A.M. when you are turning out sheds, garages or cupboards. The only two things T.W.A.M. doesn’t take are computers and lawn mowers. Not only does T.W.A.M. need practical things, they do also need help to pay for shipping containers to the other side of the world, running a warehouse and workshop, two vans and paying staff.

For more information, or if you can help in any way, contact Janet Nunn, telephone 020 8979 6325 or email janunnhh@btinternet.com

Source: The Spire Magazine - 2011 March