Items we provide

For babies and children, up to age 18

We can support families with practical items for babies and children, including essentials like clothing, shoes, toiletries and period products, equipment such as cots, toddler beds, buggies, highchairs and stairgates, and items needed for development such as toys, books and school uniform. All items given out are in good, clean condition. Equipment is safety checked and tested, and where relevant, meets appropriate British safety standards. When families are referred to us, we also love to know any particular preferences or interests so our team can choose the right items to suit the child, such as their favourite colour or character. We want families to feel like they are receiving a gift and not a handout, and know that the community cares.

There may be a waiting list for some of the larger more popular items, such as prams and cots, but we will do our best to fulfil each request as quickly as possible – usually within three working days.

Below is a complete list of items we can help with. There are some things we don’t provide – furniture, soft furnishings, food, formula, and maternity clothing, for example. If the item you are looking for is not listed, this may be because it is an item we can’t provide for safety or hygiene reasons. Please check our items we can’t accept list, and our FAQ’s, for more information on items we don’t stock, or get in touch with the team at refer@stripeystork.org.uk.

Examples of how we can help

A beautifully packaged newborn baby pack typically contains a clothes pack (up to 3 months), bedding, sleeping bags, baby bath and hooded towels, changing mat, nappy bag, nappies and wipes, toiletries (for baby and Mum) and toys. All presented in a Moses basket with new mattress and stand. Included is a new baby card handwritten by one of our volunteers.

Each clothes bundle is lovingly put together by one of our volunteers and includes a variety of clothes item to last a baby or child for one week, including socks and pants. We take into account the season and any preferences which have been expressed, such as gender-neutral items. Often our packs contain new, as well as good quality, pre-loved items.

We provide all the essentials needed to be school ready. We stock non-logo uniform items including shirts, trousers, skirts, pinafore dresses and PE kit, as well as good quality school shoes, trainers and wellies. We also provide school bags with age-appropriate stationery and a water bottle.

Our activity bags are full to the brim of boredom-buster activities to keep children entertained during school holidays. They are designed to help combat holiday poverty and take the pressure off parents during what can be an expensive time. They contain items such as books, pocket games, balls with activity suggestions, puzzles, crafts and stationery, all presented in a reusable drawstring bag.

We understand how important reading is for a child's development and education, and believe that every child should have access to age-appropriate books. We try to include at least one book with every referral we send out, but can also provide a bundle of books on request, which includes a variety of fact and fiction from our well-stocked bookshelves. They are packed in a reusable drawstring bag with a Stripey Stork bookmark included.

Toys encourage creativity and imagination, and help children learn about the world around them. It’s important that children have toys suited to their interests and age. We offer a wide range of toys for children of all ages, categorised by type, including crafts, games, puzzles, building sets and lots of soft toys for extra cuddles. All toys are tested, carry the CE safety mark and include batteries if required.