Changing lives one little dress at a time…
Little Dresses for Africa is a non-profit 501c3, Christian organization, which provides relief to the children of Africa. Simple dresses are made out of pillow cases, and distributed through the orphanages, churches and schools in Africa to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy!
Knowing the history of the girls in Africa and the difficult road that lay ahead, a traveler decided she would take back some dresses to the children in the villages. A small group of ladies began to sew simple little dresses, made out of pillowcases, to be distributed to young girls through the orphanages in Africa. This was only the beginning. It continues to grow as groups of all sizes spring up across America. These groups cross age, gender and denominational lines, to serve the most vulnerable of God’s children: little girls. To date we have received dresses and donations from all 50 states across the USA and received well over 560,000 little dresses, that have been distributed in 31 countries of Africa! We are happy to partner with mission teams and travelers to get these dresses to the children who need them most. One generous supporter, Nancy’s Notions, has sent over 65,000 for us internationally. We are so grateful. We have also sent dresses to countries in crisis, when requested, such as Honduras, Guatamala, Philippines, Cambodia, Mexico and thousands and thousands to Haiti. In addition, we have sent dresses to children in need right here in the United States, in the Appalachian Mountains and South Dakota. But more importantly than how many have been shipped, are the lives that they have touched. These dresses (and now also britches for boys!) go out as little Ambassadors in the name of Jesus, to give hope to the children that receive them.
With Little Dresses for Africa there are many ways to provide help…from starting or hosting your own sewing group, sizing and packing little dresses, or donating financially toward shipping costs, such as boxes, tape, postage. To ensure that they actually get to the children, the majority of our dresses are sent with mission teams here in the United States, as they travel on their missions, for personal distribution. We are always very much need mission teams to agree to take the little dresses with them to distribute, so if you have a team going, please let us know. Due to the overwhelming generosity of so many, we can generally send you as many as you are able to take. (Please go to “contact us” for the necessary form). We also mail them internationally. The highlight of our year is when we take a team from the USA, to deliver the little dresses personally, to the grateful and excited little girls that need them so desperately.
Our job is not complete until these little dresses are actually on the backs of the little girls that need them. Please enclose your tax-deductible donation to help with shipping whenever possible. It costs an average of about $2.00/dress to get the dresses to the children. Any amount you can send helps, although it is not required. Thank you in advance for your help!
Simple patterns are downloadable below, or feel free to use your own pattern, if you prefer.
“We’re not just sending dresses, we’re sending HOPE!”
Click here for pillow case dress directions
Please size your dresses small, medium, large or X-large, before sending them to us. Dresses can be rolled in groups, in 2 gallon ziploc bags to help with shipping.
NOTE NEW SIZING:
(Measured from the shoulder to the hem)
Small = 2, 3, and 4 (16-23 inches long)
Medium = 5, 6, and 7 (24-29 inches long)
Large = 8,9, and 10 (30-34 inches long)
X-Large - size 11 and above (anything over 35 inches long)
No need to size boys shorts. Any size, style, material is welcome. Elastic or drawstring waist works well for boys shorts.
Free boys shorts download available: http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/nancys-corner/britches-for-boys-in-africa/
****We’re sorry, but restrictions in some countries concerning used clothing and import taxes, do not allow us to accept previously worn clothing, although gently used pillow cases may be used. Boys shorts can be store bought.
To confirm your dresses were received, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Thank you so much for your help!
Any simple pattern is great! Zikomo! Finished items and shipping donations can be sent to:
24614 Curtis Drive, Brownstown, MI 48134
Making a difference, here and across the ocean, one little dress at a time!
