I read with interest the article on the large number of knitted goods that Bay of Plenty women have made and shipped to Eastern Europe (The Weeekend Sun, August 23).
While I applaud the goodwill and effort of these caring women, I am at a loss as to why these good are shipped overseas. Every day we read about poverty here, children going to school hungry and without adequate warm clothing and footwear.
If these are the conditions in our schools, how many of these children are tucked up at night in a warm blanket, or have a warm jumper, or socks to wear.
It is admirable so many donate their time to caring about others.
However, I'd like to see their enthusiasm directed to New Zealand families who struggle to keep children warm and fed. Consideration for others is a local as well as international problem, and charity can begin at home.

Jill Shephard, Papamoa.