Ruth visits ‘Little Village’ hub

On Monday 7th November Ruth Cadbury MP visited the new Hounslow location for Little Village- a charity which organises baby banks providing clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children aged up to five. During her visit Ruth heard about the work done by volunteers and staff at Little Village to run the warehouse location in Hounslow.

The new location is based in the old Debenhams in Hounslow and Little Village are urgently looking for both volunteers and donations to ensure that they can work to support those in need locally. Little Village needs donations of pre-loved clothing and equipment and is particularly short of cots, moses baskets, cribs, prams and warm winter clothes and bedding for children aged 0-5.

Speaking in full afterwards Ruth said,

‘‘I was really pleased to visit the new Little Village hub in Hounslow. This new centre will make a huge difference for so many families locally, especially in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis. I know from listening to people across our local area that many are struggling with the rising cost of rents, bills, food and fuel. It can be especially hard for families in the run up to Christmas, especially as the weather gets colder.

‘‘Charities such as Little Village, along with food banks, play a really important role in making sure that people will be able to get the help and support that they need.

‘‘If you can donate baby and toddler clothing and equipment or if you can donate your time to volunteer it would really help the new Little Village Hub in Hounslow.’’

Sophie Livingstone MBE, CEO of Little Village, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Ruth to our Hounslow baby bank hub, she met some of the team and saw for herself what a huge operation we’re running in the old Debenhams store! Our Hounslow warehouse is crucial to our work across the capital as it’s large enough to store thousands of donated items, which will be sent to families across London.

“We urgently need lots more volunteers to help us out, we are particularly busy as the cost-of-living crisis is affecting families in poverty and increasing numbers need our help. Volunteering for Little Village is a practical way to help others in the local community, it’s a fun and welcoming team, with people from all walks of life, and volunteers tell us they greatly benefit from taking part. If you have any spare time, I’d urge you to sign up today.

“As well as volunteers, we need donations of clothing and equipment for babies and children up to the age of five. You can drop donations in to us Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm.”