Kids clothes for families in need

COMMUNITY generosity led to a surplus of stock at Sunshine Bendigo’s headquarters last week, with volunteers spending their Saturday redistributing free baby clothing to families in need.

Founder and director of the organisation Glenda Serpell said the spring giveaway initiative gave parents and carers an accessible opportunity to get the wardrobe items they need for their young ones.

“We thought we would offer this clothing to those in need in the community without them having to go through a referral process,” she said.

Ms Serpell said she believed more time spent at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic meant people were becoming more aware of baby clothing held onto from years gone by, and the needs of others in the community doing it tough.

“I think during this COVID season where everyone has been locked down, there is a lot of that sorting through cupboards, finding the excess, plus people being exposed and actually being maybe driven a little bit more to assist others in the community who aren’t so fortunate,” she said.

“Maybe it’s impacting people, helping them see beyond their own circumstances and helping them reach out to others.

“When they’re ready to rehome baby goods, we’re here for the conduit to get it to the person in need.

“We’ve certainly been blessed through the community and it’s helped us to bless others, it’s just a matter of sharing the excess.”

Throughout lockdowns, Sunshine Bendigo has been working remotely and liaising with caseworkers to still attend to community needs, and Ms Serpell said donations or financial support is always appreciated.

“We’re desperate for newborn car seats, capsules and prams, that’s probably our big area of need right now,” she said.