Call out for winter warmers

SUNSHINE Bendigo is calling for winter baby clothing and bedding donations as temperatures start to drop.

The organisation distributes newborn and toddler resources to families in need, but founder and director Glenda Serpell said demand always jumped significantly in colder weather.

“I would say it would at least double or triple, the demand,” she said.

The organisation has so far assisted more than 300 families this year.

“As soon as the weather has changed, we’ve seen a huge demand for warm clothes, also for warm bedding. People are thinking ‘I need something to keep my babies warm’,” Ms Serpell said.

“We definitely notice a huge rise from every sector. We’re still seeing a lot of homelessness, domestic violence, a lot of people are really struggling still financially.”

Ms Serpell said warm coats for toddlers, winter pyjamas, non-acrylic cot blankets and baby sleeping bags were the most needed items.

“Most of the sleeping bags that are donated aren’t in good condition because they are washed so frequently,” she said.

“If people were to see them out and about on sale and they wanted to support us through that, that would be amazing to have some new sleeping bags to gift the little ones.”

The organisation is asking for quality donations which can in turn empower the families they support.

“We set a really high standard so that people can feel good about what they’re putting on their children. It’s really about building up mothers and families,” Ms Serpell said.

Winter clothing packs will also be distributed during the season full of items like singlets, socks, onesies and cardigans to help parents layer up their baby’s clothing.

Donations are being accepted any time during opening hours at the Sunshine Bendigo office at 18 Vains Street, Golden Square.