The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A struggling mum and her baby boy have been overwhelmed with support following an appeal to help with heating and food.
A post on The Holbeach Heroes COVID Bank Facebook page recently detailed how the single mum, who is a key worker on maternity leave, was finding it difficult to heat her home and afford food.
The Holbeach area woman, initially contacted Sarah Phoenix, who started the COVID bank to support struggling families, asking if there were any donated baby grows she could have for her eight-month-old.
During the conversation it became apparent to Sarah that the new mum was struggling more than she was letting on and was embarrassed to have to ask for any help.
Sarah said: “It turned out she couldn’t afford heating supplies and she wasn’t eating properly either, leading to her losing a lot of weight.
“This is exactly why I set up the COVID bank, so I posted an appeal to help raise £220 for the heating, and asking for food and clothing donations.
“The response was incredible, within ten minutes I had £100 in my Paypal account.
“The donations kept on coming and the Spalding COVID Kindness Team gave £200.
“We ended up with £620, more than enough to sort the heating, so we gave her the rest in food vouchers.
“There were also donations of clothes, both for her and the little boy, nappies and food.
“She was totally overwhelmed when she came to collect it.
“She was literally sobbing on my driveway and I couldn’t even give her a hug!”
Sarah posted on the group: “Took the final load over to mum last night, there was also another cash donation of £100 which was given to her. Running total is £620. Am blown away how amazing this group is! The only way is up for this lady and her baby, he has enough supplies to last quite a few months!”
Mum-of-four Sarah (35)started the COVID Bank to help people struggling at Christmas and has now helped more than 100 families with food, clothes, furniture, meals, money, or just someone to talk to.
People who have items to donate can post them on the COVID Bank’s Facebook page and people in need can get in contact directly. If Sarah is made aware of a specific family that needs support she posts the requests on Facebook.
Sarah is being supported by Jess Glue, who has become an admin on the page and is also involved with the Spalding and Surrounding Baby Bank set up by Steph Jennings to support struggling families.
If you can volunteer to help out with either projects, or if you need support, Steph and Sarah would love to hear from you. You can message Sarah by searching ‘Holbeach Hero’s Covid Bank’ on Facebook. To get in touch with Steph, call 07458 385903, email spaldingbaby@hotmail.com or search ‘Spalding and Surrounding Baby Bank’ on Facebook.
As well as donations the women would like to hear from anyone who can help in any way, particularly with storage for the donated goods.
