As part of their pre-Christmas community service activities, Crosby’s Soroptimists decided to support two charities – one international and one local.
Mary’s Meals sets up school feeding projects in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. The charity also helps those children to attend school. How? By providing backpacks full of everyday basics – things that families might not otherwise be able to afford. The Soroptimists collected 25 backpacks and a wide variety of contents – clothes, plus educational and personal items. The bags are given out to children, mainly in Malawi, who desperately need them. This initiative, says the charity, “…enables children to attend school and learn – education is the best way a chronically poor child can escape poverty in later life.”
Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid has a long-standing link with SI Crosby. This year, the charity asked for help in meeting the needs of local boys who may face disruption to their education as a result of domestic violence. The Soroptimists put together packages of everyday educational items that the boys could use if they have to transfer schools suddenly.
Terry Francis (Chair of Programme Action) said, “Once again our members have contributed most generously. We know that all the goods will be well used in support of children’s education, both locally and in Mary’s Meals’ centres abroad. We combined our packing with a Christmas social so – in typical Soroptimist fashion – enjoyed friendship, good food and the opportunity of practical service.”