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Final push for charity tea bags

Chancellor High student collecting used tea bags for South African women until June 20

Date published: 5/8/2007

By COREY BYERS

At last year's end, Moira Callahan wasn't sure she'd be able to collect 2,500 tea bags for an unusual donation to an African company.

However, with 46 days left until her trip to the southern hemisphere, she has 3,500 tea bags and a new goal of 5,000.

Moira, 15, of Spotsylvania County has been collecting used, dried-out and emptied tea bags to help an organization in South Africa.

Original T Bag Designs is a business for poor women who paint traditional African designs on the bags and sell them to produce life-sustaining incomes.

"It's a livelihood for these women," Moira said.

The Chancellor High School student will be participating in a three-week global leadership program this summer and will drop off her bags during the trip.

"The fact that the women are making some money and getting an identity is only a start," said Moira's mother, Pat. "And, Moira is helping them get there."

How will she get so many small bags to another continent? For now she plans on filling air-tight plastic bags and packing them in her suitcase.

Between classes, extracurricular activities and track, the teen is having fun with her community- service project.

"It's just second nature to help somebody; for me it's no big deal."

Moira said she's received donations from community groups, the public and people at her school. She even received an anonymous package of dried-out bags from Florida.

Pat Callahan said it was tough for her daughter to get tea bags at first, but she's ultimately received an "outpouring of support."

She's thankful for donations and believes educators and leaders can learn a lesson from Moira's work.

"It's not all about a test score; it's about their ideas-- it's about their dreams," she said of today's youth. "Listen to them."

Make sure the tea bag is completely dry. Make a slit through one side of the bag. Empty tea leaves carefully. Gently tear open any other seams and flatten. For bags with staples, cut off the stapled section after the bag is dry. Empty tea leaves. Gently tear open the seam and flatten. Want to help? E-mail irishdoctor724@gmail.com or call 540/786-8724. Donations will be accepted through June 20. Visit tbagdesigns.co.za on the Web to learn more about Original T Bag Designs, based out of South Africa.

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Date published: 5/8/2007