Kids Bank HQ, nestled comfortably within the Brompton Walk area of Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, works closely within the community to provide pre-loved children’s items from one family to another. They are also the latest beneficiary of a multi-thousand pound donation from our Community Fund.
Members of our Membership Committee, who selected the charity after being impressed by their grant application, were very impressed when they visited in August. Users of the Kids Bank HQ service can either visit the store to find heavily reduced items in their ’boutique’, or can be referred by a midwife or GP to receive the items for free. Store Manager Claire said, “we can provide all the essentials, including clothing and nappies, buggies and cots, toys and books, all preloved but in excellent condition.” The premises at Lakeside also acts as a drop-off point for those wishing to donate items.
Chair of the Membership Committee, Pauline Dodd, said, “Claire is so passionate and dedicated to what she is doing that I couldn’t help but feel moved. For new families, struggling to cope financially, this service is a Godsend. A very worthy beneficiary to one of our grants.”
Kids Bank HQ have the most organised storage space we’d ever seen, with all clothing, games and toiletries divided up neatly into age groups. They can support from new-born to secondary school age and are also able to refer families to (and take referrals from) The Trussell Trust Food Bank network.
For more information on their work, check out www.thekidsbankhq.org or email info@thekidsbankhq.org.
For more information on our Community Fund, visit chelmsfordstar.coop/community/fund.