Handout

Her name was Claudia, but everyone called her Toockie, and she was loved. Each year, she supported the women in her family by sending them a bundle of hand knit dish cloths to use, and reuse as household scrubbers saving them time, and money. To honor herwe wanted to provide a living wage to poor women in need, and to support all households with these wonderful hard working scrubbers.

In search for a way to recreate Toockie's scrubbers I partnered with Jaya Basu, who wanted to build the local economy of a small village outside of Calcutta, India.

Currently, Toockies brand products are sold into thousands of households, and are handmade with love and pride by over 700 women, in ten villages in India. Each artisan has been given a voice in the signing of her name.

Quotes:

The Thrifty Housewife

"I have to say I love the idea of this company! The women who founded it have such a heart to help women in third world countries earn a living. Not only that, but the products they produce are beautiful and extremely well made." "The washcloths are durable and clean dishes extremely well."

Globe In:

"The results of the Toockies Project show how integral the program has become for these women, who are now able to earn a dignified living and given the opportunity to lead an independent and liberated life where they are acknowledged, respected and valued."

Daily Grommet:

"...often the old fashioned way of doing things was spot on, and Toockies are a perfect example of that."