THE EDITOR, Madam:
WHILE DRIVING to work today I noticed a small child's bicycle put out for garbage. It reminded me that just recently I had also seen a small mattress put out for garbage in another area.
As a child I often received bags of clothes my big cousin had either grown out of or simply did not like anymore. It was a big excitement for me to go through my 'new' wardrobe! I was not too proud to wear second-hand.
This has prompted me to write and urge people to 'think before they trash it'.
How many children would appreciate that little bicycle? Even if it needed a repair, how many fathers would have loved the opportunity to repair it?
How many families are sharing one bed or sleeping on hard boards? What seems like a 'bumpy, worn out old mattress' to you could be a luxury for some.
How many of you have clothes in your closet that don't fit, you don't like or you simply consider them 'out of fashion?' These could be 'new' outfits for some.
Each and every day of the year we all have an opportunity to be Santa Claus. When you next clear out your closets, offices or your garages "think before you trash it!"
Simply bag up the 'stuff', which could be clothes, shoes, books, magazines, old toys, furniture, linen etc., and deliver it to a children's home, elderly peoples home, hospice, school, church or a charitable organisation that can distribute it for you. Just look in the telephone directory!
Let's recycle and help others. It will be most appreciated. You too will benefit from the feeling that giving rewards and at the same time you will eliminate unnecessary 'clutter' from your lives!
I am, etc.,
TRACEY McNAIR
Kingston 8.
