A CHARITY which changes lives is expanding its Coventry operation so it can help more people but it needs volunteers.
Tools with a Mission (TWAM) is a refurbishment centre which specialises in making up carpentry kits and renovating sewing machines through its two industrial units – one is a workshop and the other is a warehouse to receive donations and sort them.
With it expanding its work in the Coventry area, it is taking on larger premises and has recently acquired a new van.
The charity anticipates a much busier workload so needs to bolster its ranks.
It currently has 15 volunteers covering refurbishment, sorting and packaging with two specialising in haberdashery to make up sewing kits and sort materials to go with the sewing machines.
The Coventry operation covers the western half of the UK, undertaking many van journeys each year, covering Carlisle to Weston-Super-Mare.
In the first six months of the year 71 tool collections were made.
Then there is a van run between Coventry and the charity’s headquarters in Ipswich at least once-a-week with a growing amount of donations coming in.
TWAM sends expertly refurbished and sorted tools in the following trade kits – builders, carpenters, electricians, agricultural, ground works, motor mechanics, plumbers as well as large workshop tools. Old PCs can also be refurbished for a useful new life.
TWAM chief executive Mike Griffin said: “We are looking for many more volunteers to help with a wide variety of tasks.
“In the hands of a determined people in Africa, tools and sewing machines transform lives.
“They provide income to put food on the table, send children to school and keep a roof over their head.
“Your unused tools and sewing machines would be lifesavers in Africa.”
TWAM began more than 30 years ago and has since collected and refurbished tools and equipment no longer required in the UK and sent them overseas.
Through collectors and centres across the UK, a team of dedicated volunteers and supporters help transform thousands of lives every year.
All sorts of tools are need but they have to be in a ‘usable – not broken’ condition so they can be refurbished.
Call 01473 210220, visit twam.co.uk or email [email protected] for more on the charity and what it does.
Anyone who can volunteer should visit timefortwam.uk for more.
