BARNSLEY is bristling with generosity as proved by this collection of hundreds of toothbrushes donated to help deprived children in Africa.
A call was put out by a group of supporters of the charity Africa with Love for toothbrushes, and staff at Barnsley Council and Berneslai Homes pulled together this haul of 430 brushes, which the group will be taking out to Uganda in a few weeks.
Carol Higgins, from the group, said: “Toothbrushes are taken for granted here, but over in Uganda, trying to feed their families take priority they have so little.
“Council staff in the communities directorate and Berneslai Homes took this on board and have collected 430 toothbrushes for us. What a result.
“We will take some toothpaste with us and hopefully buy some out there if we can.
“June Wray, a member at Emmanuel Church, hosts a fortnightly knit and natter group and from that group, and others who have heard about June, we have received lots and lots of beautiful blankets, jumpers and hats, all in lovely bright colours.”
Carol, of Downs Crescent, Gawber, said 17 boxes have been packed and have just left Barnsley on their journey by ship to Masaka, Uganda. A team from Barnsley visiting in February will open, sort and distribute all the items - towels, bedding, shoes, clothes, pens and pencils.
Over recent years a group of local people have helped raise thousands for the Kyjubira school near Masaka in Uganda, which is supported by the charity Africa with Love.
Fund-raising in Barnsley helps support the school and has paid for many improvements as well as providing clothes, toys and equipment for the pupils, many of whom are orphans.
