Monona Woman Still Doing Good Deeds

If you know Margaret Jankowski, then you probably already know about The Sewing Machine Project.

If you don't then check out The Cap Times' nice story on the project this week. Monona woman ships donated sewing machines to the needy Jane Burns — 5/02/2009 2:21 pm

And while you are thinking about it, cough up a little dough: Financial Contributions.

In her own words (from the web site):

The Sewing Machine Project was conceived in early 2005, following the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia. I’d read an article about a woman who had lost a sewing machine in the storm, a machine she’d saved for years to buy, and, in losing it, she lost her means of making an income. I began collecting donated sewing machines here in Wisconsin and shipping them to Sri Lanka. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in September 2005 I decided to shift my focus to that area. Since then, I have made five trips to the city, taking over 350 machines. These machines are distributed to individuals as well as schools and community centers. People are using them not only to rebuild their lives but also to start small sewing-related businesses.

Community is important no matter where you live. It becomes even more important in the aftermath of a disaster. The mission of the Sewing Machine Project is to give people a tool that will not only help them mend their own lives but also will give them a way to take an active role in the rebuilding of their community. People grow strong and their community grows strong as well.