Pretty Panties for Underprivileged women in

The purpose of this project was to bring encouragement to women in the depressed economy and violent society of Jamaica West Indies with a simple personal gift. The targeted women reside in a rural mountain community outside of Montego Bay. The need was identified by Jamaica Mission Partnership , a group of volunteers from USA churches in North Florida and South Carolina who provide leadership and support to Jamaican church workers, facilitating Vacation Bible School for hundreds of children, youth, and adults each July. Altrusa members chose to write notes of encouragement to the women of the church sharing “positive perspectives” including quotes, scriptures, and words of support. Note cards were available at Altrusa meetings to be written there or taken home and returned at the following meeting. Each Altrusa member purchased one pair of new panties, any size or style, for these women. We know how encouraging a new pair of panties can be to lift a woman’s spirit, especially one who has little or nothing in worldly possessions. Panties were purchased and delivered by individual members to a collection point at a local business. Members sorted panties by size and repackaged them in zip lock bags for delivery.