University of New Mexico
During the past few months UNM CKI has participated in a variety of service projects. We have worked with both preferred charities and other groups within our community. One such project was to benefit an organization called Little Dresses for Africa, with whom the Southwest District has worked with previously at Fall Rally. The event we conducted was both a Key Club social and a service project. During the project we transformed pillowcases into dresses that will be sent to little girls in need. It may seem strange to turn a pillowcase into an item of clothing, but it was surprisingly simple- no exceptional sewing skills needed! The trick was to undo a hem here, snip some fabric there, and of course add pretty details. Little Dresses for Africa is a non-profit that collects the dresses sewn( and britches for boys!) and sends them to towns in Africa, as well as other places in crisis. By doing this they aim to inspire home within the younger generations. The donated clothing gives Little Dresses for Africa the opportunity to travel to low-income towns and teach children about proper nutrition, hygiene and family skills. This is especially important in many regions in Africa, where the AIDs virus is prominent and many young children are left to take care of themselves. The clothing sent gives children a sense of aspiration, and the teachings provide them with knowledge that will serve them throughout their lives. We were able to change perspectives halfway across the globe while taking part in a fun-filled sewing party. This project allowed us to impact people beyond our normal locality; it helped to expand UNM CKI’ s reach to the global community, which is a great felling for all of us!
- Lydia Kifner UNM CKI Bulletin Editor / Secretary
7