Women's Club collecting sewing machines

VERNON — The Vernon Township Woman’s Club (VTWC) is proud to announce it is collecting used and new sewing machines for “Sewing Peace,” a program that enables women in third-world countries to develop valuable skills for employment.
“Rather than allowing unused sewing machines to deteriorate in the landfill, we will recycle them and help to guide women along a path of education, personal development and financial independence,” said Woman’s Club President Lois Marples. “Through this wonderful program, women around the globe are supporting their families and creating better lives for themselves.”
Sewing Peace is a branch of Pedals for Progress (P4P.org), a non-profit organization that sends bicycles to poverty-stricken countries where lack of transportation prevents people from earning a living. P4P leaders quickly discovered that sewing machines could also improve economic circumstances. Since 1999, nearly 4,500 machines have been refurbished and shipped around the world.
The program’s success rests on the fact that women are taught how to sew, design and repair clothing before receiving a sewing machine, ensuring that they possess the skills necessary to pursue this livelihood. For example, in Tanzania single mothers are offered a three-month vocational training program followed by a permanent job. They sew clothing and sandals and then earn a percentage of the profits when the items are sold locally and exported to other countries including the United States. In Ethiopia, the women participate in 21 days of intensive training, and subsequently become self-employed using a donated sewing machine.
To donate a sewing machine by the March 31, deadline, contact VTWC International Committee Chair Karen Rothstadt at 973-670-4506. Because the sewing machines will travel a long distance to their new homes, Sewing Peace requests that a $10 donation accompany each machine to help offset overseas shipping expenses. Additional financial contributions to support this program may be made payable to Vernon Township Woman’s Club and sent to VTWC, PO Box 175, Vernon, NJ 07462.