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Original poster

Preloved baby clothes - what to do..?

15 replies

Novmama · 13/03/2013 10:59

Don't know where best to post this...but I (like many people) have lots of good quality baby clothes. Don't want to just donate to local charity shops - want them to go to really good home - someone that really is in need. I am in Mid Sussex/Crawley/Gatwick area where many are obviously do ok. I'd really like to know that I am giving them to someone who really needs items - not just looking for a bargain. I'm thinking women's refuge, refugees/asylum seekers etc Equally happy if there is a charity collecting and they go overseas - Syrian refugees etc. Can anyone advise? I am happy to deliver locally. We had lots of enjoyment out of the clothes and I'd like to pass that on.....Thanks.

OP posts:
vjg13 · 13/03/2013 11:21

Does your local hospital have a mother and baby unit?

Poledra · 13/03/2013 11:24

I've given quite a lot of stuff to my local Women's Aid, and they've always been very happy to have it. Look on their website and you can find your local office. Contact them and, IME, they'll sort out a time for you to deliver to their local office (they struggle to collect). I've not only given clothes but my pram too - they were so grateful for that, as it had a carrycot piece in very good condition and they said they had a lady with a very young baby who could use it.

Original poster
Novmama · 13/03/2013 11:25

A good thought - thanks. I'll make enquiries.

OP posts:
bluetortoise · 13/03/2013 11:52

There is a charity in Edinburgh called
(Edinburgh Clothing Store - Charity - 0131 552 1111)
that receives donation to give to people that really needs. I think that people can only 'use' the shop it they were referred by social workers. Maybe there is something similar where you live?

bluetortoise · 13/03/2013 11:59

There is a charity in Edinburgh called
(Edinburgh Clothing Store - Charity - 0131 552 1111)
that receives donation to give to people that really needs. I think that people can only 'use' the shop it they were referred by social workers. Maybe there is something similar where you live?

bluetortoise · 13/03/2013 12:00

oooops

PuffPants · 13/03/2013 12:41

I actually found it very hard to find a home for our baby clothes. I tried Women's Aid and a couple of other local charities and nobody called me back - I even offered to drop the boxes off. Like you, I really wanted them to go directly to someone in need rather than a charity shop. In the end my local Sure Start centre took them. They have a table of donated items and parents can take what they want and put a small donation in a tin. Not exactly what I was looking for but better than binning them.

bishboschone · 13/03/2013 13:50

I'm in the same area , I found a charity called home start. The lady collected about 6 black bags of clothes which were distributed to those in desperate need. I felt the same as you that I wanted them to be worn by someone genuinely in need and i didn't know anyone.

mewkins · 13/03/2013 19:26

Hone Start should know plenty of families but you could also contact your local social services dept and ask if they know of anyone who could use them eg. Newly into fostet care or those struggling etc.
Or else your local church may have an outreach programme.

SheepNoisesOff · 13/03/2013 19:29

Another option would be a group which supports very young (ie teenage) mothers. Here in the Netherlands there are groups which collect the clothes to give them to very young women who have unplanned pregnancies and need all the help they can get. I wonder if there's something similar in the UK?

Original poster
Novmama · 14/03/2013 10:50

Thanks for all responses so far. Has given me some ideas to explore. I'll let you know how I get on.

OP posts:
sybilfaulty · 14/03/2013 10:55

Refuge (the domestic abuse charity) might also help. Many of the women in their care have had to leave with absolutely nothing but the clothes they / their kids are standing up p in. Give them a call.

LadyKinbote · 14/03/2013 10:58

I gave some to a charity called Hestia who run women's refuges near me. They were incredibly grateful and I 'll continue to donate as the DC get bigger.

Original poster
Novmama · 01/04/2013 10:38

Just a brief update. Gave the clothes to Home Start in my area. Plan to continue donating as and when my dd outgrows stuff. Thanks for tip and urge others to do the same.

OP posts:
pumpkinsweetie · 01/04/2013 10:45

My Facebook has a local For Free page where cash strapped people give away or lend things such as playpens. Its brilliant, if people don't have such a page locally, maybe they could set one up.
People find it invaluable when short of money or wanting to empty their house of things no longer needed. Ive donated clothes, bottles, duvets, toys and even sofas can be found on there for free!
I have managed to de-clutter at the same time knowing its going to people that are really in need.

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