Are you storing unused sewing and knitting machines, material, yarn and supplies….they are needed in Uganda!!
The Rotary Club of Maple Grove is collecting sewing machines + supplies (fabric, thread, needles, scissors, etc.), and knitting machines + supplies (yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, etc.) to create a sewing center in Uganda near one of the largest refugee camps in the world. They are also accepting bed linens and gardening tools.
The sewing center project will impact the lives of women and their children who arrive in Uganda as economic, political and war refugees. These refugees have no way of supporting themselves or make a living, and these families ending up homeless and hungry on the streets Kampala and the surrounding area.
These items will be used in a sewing cooperative and each machine donated will help a family become financially independent. Many women have been victims of wartime sexual violence and because of a lack of skills, tools and/or supplies, they are trapped in the sex trade. Learning to sew and knit can liberate them.
Sewing and knitting equipment and supplies will be accepted until September 17, 2017 as the 40’ container will leave Minnesota for Uganda in early October. In December, several people from Minnesota will be traveling to Uganda to teach people how to sew and knit.
For pick up, please contact Judy Johnson, jjohnson9730@msn.com, 612-296-6658