THE people of Monmouth have risen to the challenge of donating much needed supplies to a school for orphans in Zambia.

In May, charity Hands Around the World (HATW) began a campaign to collect much needed supplies to fill a container to be sent to the PIZZ School in Zambia. The school is part of an ongoing HATW project to provide education and support to 300 vulnerable children in the southern province of Monze.

HATW praised the response of the people of Monmouth, and said there were still items and volunteers needed before the container leaves in late July or early August.

Lynda Steiner said: “Thanks to publicity in the Beacon, the people of Monmouth have risen to the challenge of enabling Hands Around the World to collect goods to be sent out to Pizz School and support centre in Monze, Zambia.

“We have collected masses of clothing, shoes, toys, stationery and craft materials. Oaklands Storage in Whitchurch have allowed us to use, free of charge, a storage box and have given us space to pack some of the items collected.

“The boys of Monmouth School have donated outgrown football boots and trainers and so many individuals have gathered together goods that will bring so much delight to the children of Pizz School.

“Money has been given towards transport costs and a group of tireless ladies, plus one man and one seven year old boy have spent days sorting, packing and labelling goods.”

HATW are still hoping for further donations towards the cost of transport, some hand sewing machines and the use of a van with driver and mate to take the bags and boxes to Folkestone.

Ring HATW on 01600 740317 or Lynda on 01600 775433 if you are able to help.