Starter pack charity for disadvantaged mums and babies 'overwhelmed' by donation outpour

A charity who has seen generous donations off the back of the Chronicle & Echo's gift appeal is saying thanks to everyone who pledged to help mums and babies over Christmas.
Volunteers from Baby Basics pack up lifeline starter packs for new mums and babies in need with donations from the general public.Volunteers from Baby Basics pack up lifeline starter packs for new mums and babies in need with donations from the general public.
Volunteers from Baby Basics pack up lifeline starter packs for new mums and babies in need with donations from the general public.

Baby Basics Northampton relies on the generosity of the community to donate items, including gift sets for mum and newborn essentials, which they pack in Moses baskets and gift to mums in need in Northamptonshire.

Off the back of an appeal, which the Chron issued last week, Baby Basics has been overwhelmed by toiletry donations and Moses baskets for babies.

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These Moses baskets have all been donated since the appeal was launched last Thursday (November 8).These Moses baskets have all been donated since the appeal was launched last Thursday (November 8).
These Moses baskets have all been donated since the appeal was launched last Thursday (November 8).
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Baby Basics facilitator Sabrina Oakley said: "We've had a lot of contact from the general public wanting to support us by donating items and a company called Oakley Bugz, from Corby, run by Angie Lawlor, have blessed us with an amazing amount of items that they have collected through their clients, including ten Moses baskets.

"We have an incredible amount of referrals coming in so these generous donations are essential for us to provide our baskets.

"They enable us to provide basic items as well as little treats, like gift sets and chocolates, to these new mums in need. Any monetary donations are put towards buying new Moses basket mattresses to provide a safe place for baby to sleep."

The charity does not have direct contact with the new mums and babies for safeguarding reasons but I nstead liaise directly with health professionals.

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Sabrina added: "One of our midwives has described our baskets as being like Mary Poppins bag. They are just full to the top of beautiful items, which just seem to keep on coming."

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us, we couldn't provide our beautiful baskets without your kind and generous donations."

Going forward the charity is still in great need of 0-3 months baby grows, adult and baby toothbrushes and toothpaste, chocolates for mums, cotton wool, shampoo, shower gel and conditioner.

One mum from Daventry who received a parcel for her and her baby girl said: "Me and my girl are so excited with all that you give to us.

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"I hope that one day I can help another person the way you help me. I don't feel alone thanks to you."

As the charity now has more than five drop off points it is in need for extra volunteers.

Donations can be left at the Emmanuel Church, Burton Latimer Baptist Church, Home-Start Kettering Area and the Kairos Centre in Grange Park, Brackley by appointment, and now The Entertainer.

If you want to donate or want to volunteer then contact the team on [email protected]