SIR – I wonder if someone out there might be able to help me please.

I recently asked the ‘Oasis Academy, Warndon’ for their help with collecting children’s unwanted clothes to send to a South African orphanage.

The academy has enthusiastically supported my request and the headteacher, David Coache, suggested that parents could return any old jumpers and cardigans to the school when collecting their new clothing bearing the latest school logo, as the school has recently changed its name. The children and their parents have responded really generously and have even sent in extra clothing for the children in Africa.

But now I have come across a major problem, which is the cost of transport. I didn’t realise how expensive it would be to post or ship a large crate to Cape Town!

Because I have never done anything like this before, I suppose I’ve been rather naive.

So my request is this: Do you have any ideas about how we might be able to send items to South Africa cheaply?

Do you know of a local charity that already has existing links with South Africa?

Do you know how any of the ‘big’ charities send items to Third World countries?

Please would you publish this letter in the hope that someone out there might be able to help us or offer advice?

Thanking you in anticipation.

Ingrid Bevis

Worcester