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I am sure many of you donate to various worthy projects and charities throughout the year. However, I think that it is time for ALL of us to support our own Erland Lee (Museum) Home GIFT SHOP. Each year one geographical area of FWIO is designated as the main contributor, but that doesn‘t mean that the rest of us can‘t contribute as well. Many gently used items in our homes have "worn out their welcome" and simply need to find a new home! For those of you that are hobbyists, please check your stash! Fabrics, stamps, yarn/thread, craft paints, paper, beads etc. You all know the endless variety of articles that can be made with these materials by our talented Members. The results can be fascinating and would be very welcome. Please keep in mind that pretty (fabric) colours that complement each other when combined sell quickly. Seasonal colours within quilted articles, tea cozies, runners or placemats help transform the shop for upcoming seasons. We recommend pastels in the spring and for Easter; earth tones for the fall, and of course Christmas colours in November and December. Jewellery, greeting cards, pin cushions, aprons, plants in containers, baby items, fragrant candles, potpourri, seasonal decorations and children‘s toys are items that have been sent in and sold well. Also, "coffee table type books" on crafts, quilting, horticulture, wild life, art, the Monarchy, cookbooks, etc. would all be welcome. (Please, NO novels or text books). Perhaps your china cabinet needs "downsizing". Teapots (large and small) , coffee mugs, serving plates, small crystal bowls, candle holders and the like are all desired items for resale. Even better if they have the WI logo printed on them to make them special. Reâ€"gifting of soaps, jewellew, candles, etc. is quite acceptable as are "bargains" from a garage sale or charity bazaar. They may be sold for quite a profit in support of the Lee. Just be sure that ALL items sent are in very good to excellent condition. As a final thought, make sure to include your family and friends inthisventure. Myown 16yearold granddaughter "ti/{1 fixfifi‘ll";¢ifi¢§§r ’ @Qfim aAII FWIO Members ’ overheard my conversation with her mother and decided to donate her china doll collection which she felt she had outgrown! Also, when my friend heard of this worthy cause, she offered to donate the bone china cups and saucers she had received as wedding gifts over 55 years ago. She is not a W! Member but her niece is, so she was well aware of WI and its worthy causes! Perhaps when you make up next year’s meeting schedule, you could include a "workshop" day when all Members could create articles to donate to the gift shop. You might also consider a trip to "the Lee" for a tour of the Home and lunch in the Carriage House as an outing for your Branch when you could personally deliver your "goods" and do some shopping as well! Remember this is OUR organization we are supporting. Together, through our merchandise, WE can communicate the motto, "For Home and Country" and enhance the image and purpose of the WI â€" education in all life skills - while making the Erland Lee (Museum) Home gift shop a very special experience for shoppers of every age. Sincerely, Wilma Cleghorn, West End WI (Guelph Area) If you wish to donate, please call 905-662-2691. Items can be dropped off Thursdays 12-4pm or alternate arrangements can be made. Please include donor name and address with all items.