Peace T-Shirt Project

Last summer when I traveled to Africa I was lucky enough to deliver hundreds of goody bags bloggers put together for orphans in need. It was a wonderful and yet exceptionally frustrating experience. The customs officials in Mozambique were none too pleased I was bringing in “commercial goods” without a formal tax letter, etc. It took quite a bit of arguing and promising I wasn’t going to sell toothbrushes on the black market for the goods to finally leave the airport and make there way to the orphanage.

Peace T-Shirt Project

So, this summer I thought I’d go about things a bit differently. What could be put in my suitcase and not seem out of place? T-shirts. The Nicaraguans and Mozambicans I work with live on less than $1 per day — the World Bank marker for extreme poverty. They get their clothing through a complicated route and it has been my experience that regardless of color, fit or style, folks are tickled pink to receive a new (to them) piece of clothing. I save my clothes during the year that would otherwise go to Goodwill and instead take them on my trips. When I’m done wearing them, I hand-wash the best I can and pass them on to someone else. I try to do this in a respectful way, fully recognizing that hand-me-downs can be a rude pat on the head. The friends I’ve made through international travels have always been pleased.

Peace T-Shirt Project

If you are interested in participating, I’ll be taking as many T-shirts as I can to Nicaragua in May and Mozambique in June. A T-shirt provides a creative canvas for those who want to decorate, and the opportunity for the non-crafty folk who want to play along by sending one they want to share. I’ve got a couple ideas for onesies (orphanages in both locales) and for adults. I would like to give that freezer paper technique a whirl.

The details:
1. Please send only two things: a new T-shirt of any size (I’ll be working with newborns to the elderly) and a 3×5 card with a note on why you wanted to participate. If you want to include a photo/prayer/quote on your card, great! No card? That’s fine too. The card motivation is to let the recipient know there is someone in the world who wants a better life for them, even if all we can do in this moment is share a shirt and perhaps some peace in the process.
If you want your shirt to go to Nicaragua, please write the note in Spanish on one side. If you want it to go to Mozambique, please write the note in Portuguese. Here is a good translation program.

2. In return I’ll send you a thank you along with photos of those the T-shirt project benefited. I’ll provide a more detailed story of the typical Nicaraguan and Mozambican who benefited from your kindness. I’ll be forever indebted.

3. Shirts must be to me in Arizona by May 25th.

4. Email me for shipping details: africankelli at gmail dot com

Peace T-Shirt Project

I’ve received great support from bloggers, friends and family in the past and I don’t have any doubts the mailman is going to be crazy busy once again. I am so thankful for your participation. {And if you are new around here thanks to Craft, welcome! Nice to meet you!}

~K