You could also put out a message on Freecycle and asked for a sewing machine that is in good condition. You don't pay for anything on Freecycle, you just need to go to their site: freecycle.org. They will ask you where you live and you go from there and sign up for your area. You can also ask for sewing supplies and fabric. You'd be surprised what you can get from freecycle. I've personally have given away 4 sewing machines on freecycle.
By the way, you can also give things away on freecycle. A great way to purge your house when you don't have time to take things to the thrift stores. It is amazing what things people will claim. Believe it or not, since I have been with freecycle I've seen people give away 6 featherweight machines and 3 pedal machines. I've never been fast enough to get one though.
Regarding the sewing machine: you don't neccessarily have to use a sewing machine. Do it the way our great grandmothers did -- by hand and if you really want to get be authentic like our great, great, great grandmothers sew by candle light. LOL