Ren & friends • Giving with MaCHO

Small acts.
Lasting possibilities.

Books to open minds. Clothing to bring comfort. A young community of friends helping families in Sierra Leone.

What began with Ren’s love of reading grew into a shared commitment to care. Together with her friends, she is supporting MaCHO’s work in Yurika and surrounding villages.

Support Ren’s cause Read her story

Ren seated in a music shop holding a blue guitar — Meet Ren, a young supporter with a heart for community.

The clothing drive • 2024

Comfort and dignity, packed with care.

In 2024, Ren and her friends, then eighth graders, launched the first MaCHO Clothing Drive. Their schoolmates, neighbors and friends came together to collect gently used clothing and shoes for children and adults.

The drive was created to support people visiting the Manak Community Health Clinic in Yurika Village, extending care beyond medical treatment to practical everyday needs.

Getting donated items to Sierra Leone is part of that effort. Support toward shipping helps connect the generosity of one community with families in another.

Ask about donating clothing

Books being sorted at the Steven Klass Library

The book & art supply drive • 2022

A love of reading.
A library to share it.

Ren’s story of giving began in fifth grade. Inspired by MaCHO’s mission and the work of Dr. Kadija Conteh-Barrat, she and her friends organized a book and art supply drive in 2022.

Her school and neighborhood donated more than 2,000 books, along with boxes of school and art supplies. Ren’s grandfather, Steven Klass, also received thousands of books and workbooks from his former teaching colleagues.

Those efforts helped establish the Steven Klass Library, named in his honor. The library opened in 2024 with community support, expanding access to reading and learning in rural Sierra Leone.

Discover the Steven Klass Library →

“We all love to read and think that all kids should have books. That is why we are proud to play a part in this.”
Ren

Why Ren cares

Health, learning and opportunity belong together.

Ren and the MaCHO team believe literacy is a foundation for health, empowerment and quality of life. Books give children space to learn, build confidence and imagine new possibilities. Clothing offers comfort and practical support for daily life.

Her projects show how young people can bring a community together around something meaningful. Friends, families, schools and educators each have a part to play.

Ren also explored Sierra Leone’s healthcare, education and literacy needs through a school project. Contact MaCHO to ask about her project.

Help Ren’s cause

There is a part for you to play.

Whether you give items, help with shipping or introduce a friend to MaCHO, your support carries this work forward.

Give clothing, books or supplies

Contact MaCHO about current collection needs, suitable items and how to arrange a donation before sending anything.

Arrange an item donation

Help donations go further

Too far away to give items? Make a financial gift to MaCHO, or contact the team about supporting shipping for Ren’s drives.

Donate to MaCHO

Bring your community along

Share Ren’s story with friends, your school or a community group. A conversation can be the beginning of another act of kindness.

Share by email

Thank you for standing with Ren, her friends and the MaCHO community.

Small acts.Lasting possibilities.