A 'raft' has been used to mean a collection of related items since the 1830s. The idea behind it is that a raft - of logs, for example - is also such a collection of items somehow 'tied' together.
Thank you very much, I shall be needing much more of this kind of help now. I hope you have seen my other posting about having become legally blind :) and I look forward to hearing from all the regulars.
I was much saddened to read your news, ma'am. Being diabetic, I had the first inkling of possible eye-problems on the horizon myself recently, so I know how you must be feeling. Stick with us, though...I'm sure we are all more than happy to assist you in whatever way we can. Cheers