Baby Bank will support local families
St John’s Orangefield have launched the East Belfast Baby Bank – an initiative to help those who are finding it difficult to cope with the rising costs of children’s essentials – clothing and hygiene products.
Now open for referrals, the East Belfast Baby Bank is for any parents/carers (of children aged 0–5) who are currently in financial difficulties. It is the culmination of 10 months hard work; the EBBB volunteers have sorted mountains of donations, and, thanks to grants and generous donations from within the parish, have managed to get a purpose–built storage unit and shelving at the back of the church halls. The last grant applications are for plastic storage boxes so the clothes don’t get damp in winter.
Volunteer, Barbara Lomas says: “There is a great need for the Baby Bank, with soaring prices of rent, heating, and food meaning that many families, even with two earners, have been forced to cut back on what are not seen as essentials. The result is children wearing ill–fitting shoes, clothing that is too small or seasonally inappropriate and nappies that are worn for far too long as they are so expensive to replace.
“We hope the donations keep coming in, so that we can give whatever help is possible and make life a little easier for as many families and carers as possible.”
How does it work?
The Baby Bank will supply, on request to those who register, a gender and seasonally suitable package of a week’s complete change of clothing and a toiletries package of nappies etc up to 4 times a year. Parents of newborn and premature babies can claim a ‘Newborn Box’ with additional supplies and first size clothing. Clients contact the EBBB (Facebook, Instagram, Email or Phone) to request a registration form verified by a reference. After this, the client orders what is needed 1 week in advance of collecting and signing for the clothing and toiletries packages. Collection is from the Duffin Rooms at the back of the church on a Friday morning 10.00am–12.00pm and coincides with the Tots Together group meeting in the church halls at the same time. Please share the word in East Belfast!