Children at informal settlement

Children at new schoolhouse at informal settlement. These tiny little ones are bringing in donated supplies, including food. The teacher works on a voluntary basis. The little girl with the baby doll on her back is wearing shorts with the number 23 on them! Chicago area visitors will know that these shorts have a Chicago connection! Another little girl is wearing what must be a secondhand party dress. These children are so eager to learn, in a safe environment, and where they are provided one meal a day.

More donations

Cute hats, adorable doll, sweet kimono and diaper pins. Overalls from same Kwiksew pattern as dress and bloomers below. Thank you so much.

Baby Pack donations from Polly, Molly, Louise and AD

Thanks for the wonderful handiwork. The babies are going to look so cute in these!

Used clothing dilemma!

Some disturbing correspondence with Val Bailey this week; two pallets of used clothing sent to the Baby Pack from Europe have not been released to her. Apparently there has been much trouble with used clothing, sent to South Africa as charitable contributions, being sold by unscrupulous individuals . As a result, the South African government has restricted the importation of second-hand clothing, unless the President declares a National Emergency or a regional disaster. I've been in contact with the South African embassy in Washington, DC., and this version has been confirmed. Hard to understand though it is, that is the situation at present. I have been given contact numbers and names for the consulate in Chicago, as well as contacts in the government to ensure that our shipment will be safe from the embargo. There will be a fair amount of red tape involved, but we'll work our way through it.

Young girl with baby

Young girl with baby, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

At the informal settlement near Margate, we came across this delightful young girl with responsibility for the baby. She had a quick and ready smile, but certainly had some pain in her eyes. The baby did not even have a diaper. We would like to provide diapers for the baby and clothing for both of them.

Children at informal settlement

Children at informal settlement, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

These children are wearing all the clothes they own to keep warm in the unseasonably cold temperatures of 50-60 degrees F. They are still barefoot, however.

Safe House "Ready Packs:

Along with the Baby Packs that Val continues to assemble, there is a need for older children's clothing. A "Safe House" in the area provides a place of refuge for children in danger from abuse or neglect. The children range from 18 months old to 16 years old, and frequently arrive in only the clothes they stand up in. The Child Welfare responsible for the children would appreciate "Ready Packs" of sets of clothing for boys and girls of different ages. AC4C members are assembling packs and duffel or tote bags for the children, along with a small toy or game.
For girls, we would like to include:

1. dress or skirt
2. pair of shorts or capris
3. pair of jeans or slacks
4. blouse
5. t-shirt
6. underwear (panties, slip and undershirt)
7. pyjamas
8. ankle socks
9. sandals or flip-flops
10. sweater or jacket
11. knitted or crocheted cap
12. toiletries ( toothbrush, comb, washcloth)
13. toy or game
14. The bag to put it all in!

For Boys:

1. Shirt
2. T-shirt
3. slacks or jeans
4. shorts
5. underwear (boxers/briefs, undershirt)
6. pyjamas
7. socks
8. sandals
9. sweater or jacket
10. knitted or crocheted cap
11. toiletries (toothbrush, comb, washcloth)
12. toy or game
13. The Bag to put it all in!

Gently used clothing would be appreciated as would handcrafted items. Many AC4C members are making sewn tote bags or crocheted bags. A simple skirt can be sewn from a rectangle of cloth, with a simple elastic waist. Please keep on the lookout for sale items.

Hope For Our World

Award -winning fiber artist Hollis Chatelain graciously gave permission to show her AMAZING quilt called "Hope For Our World." The quilt depicts Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa ministering to the children of the world. This quilt was judged the Best in Show at the Houston Quilt Festival. Hollis's other work includes "Sahel", which was named one of the top 100 quilts of the 20th century.

Namaqualand Wild Flowers

Namaqualand Wild Flowers, originally uploaded by Martin_Heigan.

Every Spring the desert comes alive with wonderful color. This beautiful picture captures the vividness. Do you see why I love bright colors and where I got the idea for the colors of the little girl's dress and bloomers seen below? Just look at the bright, bright blue of the sky.

Lilac-breasted roller - Coracias caudata

Lilac-breasted roller - Coracias caudata, originally uploaded by -WayuU-.

A beautiful bird from South Africa whose colors would make another beautiful outfit for a little one.

African Crowned Crane

twycross 22082007-044, originally uploaded by Walwyn.

South African National bird. Wouldn't a baby outfit in these colors look just adorable for a little boy? A little hat with a pompon on top would crown it off beautifully!

Handknit sweater

Handknit sweater, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

Another handknit sweater that the owner enjoys showing off. Her face is hidden as she is in a safe house in KZN somewhere. These children arrive with only the clothes they are standing up in, and the need is desperate.