Last July, I received a leaflet through my door telling me that 'Collection Day is Thursday', for the "Third World Clothing Collection". Today I am told that the key date is Friday but due to the recession, the old clothing of Walthamstow (Ladies, Gents and Children's) is 'urgently needed' closer to home, by Europe Suppliers Ltd. (Tel 5401427)

It seems, from their name, that the clothes are urgently need in Europe. That'll be to alleviate the tragic nakedness of the Swedes and Norwegians. A black and white photo of a bawling child is displayed prominently on the leaflet with the word 'Thank You' across it, to make me understand how much good this donation might just do.

Other items requested include blankets,sheets, shoes, handbags, curtains, bath and hand towels, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes. Most alarmingly, I am being asked to help these poor people by saving and recycling underwear. Isn't there a Brussels Directive against that sort of thing? Who on earth would want to try on my skuzzy old y-fronts? I just don't know. But I am a good European. If my refusal to pass these on will be taken as disrespect towards the needy in the rest of the EU, I suppose I had better just do the diplomatic thing and pass these on.