Total underwear collected is 1,800,366.

Since our last Talking Pants, we’ve provided underwear to 3 organisations:

• 31,000 pairs of new pants and new and gently worn bras to NPAC.
• 625 pairs of new pants to TWR – St Neots.
• 100 pairs of new pants to Days for Girls, Clun Valley.

When I started to think about writing this month’s Talking Pants, I had a look back at what I wrote in December 2020:

“While Covid will have affected everyone differently, I can’t imagine there is anyone who hasn’t been impacted in some way… Some people will have suffered personal loss, others perhaps have health and economic worries… 

“But in a year where we’ve all experienced major changes and disruption, what hasn’t changed is the support for Smalls, and for that I’m so very grateful. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who has sent an underwear or monetary donation, given up your time to volunteer with us, raised awareness of what we do or simply sent kind words of support when things looked a little bleak… 

“Ideally we would live in a world where Smalls didn’t need to exist, but we don’t. The need for underwear is very real…”

12 months later, much of what was said still rings true today! 2021 has been a year of highs and lows, the lowest point being the death of one of our sorting volunteers, Shelagh. Shelagh was a ‘Thursday’ girl at our sorting warehouse and although she led a very busy life, she never missed her ‘shift’. She was an amazing ambassador for Smalls, and she was one of the most genuine, caring people you could ever meet. With her cheeky smile, infectious giggle and wicked sense of humour, we miss her terribly.

But we have much to be thankful for. With your continued support, and the dedication and hard work of the Smalls volunteers, we’ve managed to provide 258,375 pairs of new pants and new and gently worn bras to people in need in Africa and the UK this year. We received 68 requests in total – 37 from organisations in the UK and 31 for Africa. We expect to receive just as many requests – if not more – this coming year. And with your help, we’re confident we’ll be able to meet the challenge.

Wishing you all a safe, wonderful Christmas wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.

With very best wishes for a happy, healthy 2022.

Maria