City of Joy: Help West Seattleites reach out to women on the other side of the globe

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

One week from today, you have the chance to join West Seattle sisters Mary Ellen Cunningham and Libby Cunningham in a drive to assist a project described as part of an “unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate women’s leadership in the context of conflict and disaster zones” – the City of Joy, helping Congolese women and girls heal from unspeakable violence. Next Saturday, February 15th, in the Junction parking lot at 44th/Alaska, they’re hoping you will help fill their U-Haul truck with essential items. But first, their detailed explanation (if you can’t see the window below, here’s the PDF version):

And here’s the list of what they are asking you to donate:

* The preference is for new items (definitely make-up, toiletries and skin care products.) Gently used items are also greatly appreciated.

Necessities
Solar-powered flashlights
Solar-powered radios
Umbrellas
Reading glasses

Skills
Garden/work gloves
Garden trowels
Small garden shovels
Sewing supplies – thread, buttons, needles, scissors, embroidery thread
Muslin fabric
Yarn

Women’s Clothing
Skirts, tops, & light pants (all sizes) NOTE: It is hot & humid in Congo. We need clothes in bright colors and light fabrics. NOT Seattle clothes! ☺
Durable flip-flops
Sneakers (size 7-10)
Socks (bright colors to fit shoe size 7-10)
Underwear & bras (all sizes)
Scarves
Purses

Toiletries & Personal Care
Towels – bath, hand and wash cloths (bright colors)
Makeup
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Traumeel
Moisturizing lotion

Again, the collection event is next Saturday (February 15th), 10 am-2 pm, so you have time to gather up items and be ready to drop them off.

Amber mackey February 8, 2014 (4:04 pm)

I live in west seattle and need warm clothes and blankets. Womens sweaters, skarves, gloves and waterproof coat. Please help a person in your community that has worked hard but in need of assistance making it through the cold months.
Thank you.

ambermackey@gmail.com

MCSD February 8, 2014 (4:28 pm)

ME & L – You two are always doing so many great things! Impressive and inspiring. I will be sure to bring some things your way.

Mark February 8, 2014 (4:56 pm)

I will bring what I can Saturday. Way to go Mary Ellen and LIbby. The world is all but ignoring the unforgivable brutality these innocent people are facing in the Congo on a constant basis.

JayDee February 8, 2014 (5:11 pm)

When you say radios, do you mean AM/FM or Shortwave?

Is a battery-powered flashlight (there are some Red Cross ones on Amazon that can charge phones) more important than a radio?

JayDee February 8, 2014 (5:17 pm)

Also there are hand-cranked Radios/flashlights–are solar-powered preferred?

Leslie February 8, 2014 (6:21 pm)

Don’t know Mary Ellen but Libby’s always been a rockstar! Am in.

sc February 8, 2014 (6:52 pm)

You list muslin but would any lightweight cotton be ok? If so all West Seattle sewers check for fabric that was bought and never used! I know I have some that I will bring next Saturday.

what she said February 9, 2014 (7:25 am)

I am happy to see people helping others, but why not start in our own back yard. I know the situations are hard to compare but we have many very real causes here in America.

vic February 9, 2014 (12:34 pm)

Hours for gathering goods on February 15?

WSB February 9, 2014 (12:37 pm)

It’s in the last line of the story.

Mary Ellen February 9, 2014 (5:20 pm)

Muslin fabric was specifically asked for. I think other light-weight fabric would be appreciated.

As for radios…AM/FM over shortwave. Solar-powered are definitely preferred. Batteries are expensive and hard to come by. The radio/flashlight combos are great.

Thank you all for your comments and offers to help.

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