i work with an organization that does mission work in Kenya, Liberia, Ethiopia and Ghana. Small things that are very appreciated are the toiletries that hotels hand out here, tooth brushes, pencils, paper, crayons and other school supplies. Schools aren't free there, parents have to pay tuition and buy all supplies themselves, which is a real hardship for many of the rural families. It is cheaper to buy the treadles there than to ship donated machines. It is possible to buy fabric, which is heavy to ship,in the large towns. other tools for self sufficiency are desirable: crochet hooks, knitting needles, yarn, sewing needles ( hand sewing needles) and thread, buttons, zippers. Pretty things are very appreciated as well. Just remember, that most things will need to be washed by hand with soap that is pretty harsh and line dried.