What does World Kindness Day mean to a charity like Baby Bank Network?

By Rachel Barker

Friday 13^th November 2020 is World Kindness Day – a moment of calm in a chaotic year when we can celebrate one of the magical ingredients that lets Baby Bank Network help so many families. 

One of our referral partners, Liz Jackson from Mothers for Mothers, sums it up really nicely:

“I just wanted to give some feedback after taking a bag of your toys to a family yesterday. I was so impressed with what a lovely selection of good quality toys and books you provided. The two girls were absolutely delighted. They had a doll each which was really thoughtful, and the kitchen set and tea set was exactly what they had wanted. Thank you so much, you really do make a huge difference!”

Kindness – we couldn’t exist without it!

The kindness of our volunteers – who dedicate hours to sorting, cleaning and preparing donations – means we can distribute more than 5,000 items every year.

The kindness of our referral partners – who work closely with our recipient families – means we can provide the right things to the right people, exactly when they need them.

And of course the kindness of you – our supporters, who donate your pre-loved baby items with love and thought – means our charity has made a difference to more than 4,000 vulnerable families.

The pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone. Charities have struggled with resources being directed elsewhere.

And the families we help need our support more than ever.

Kindness means we can provide warm clothes, fun toys, essential nappies and toiletries, and often a safe place to sleep for so many babies and young children.

World Kindness Day is a time to remember the importance of being kind to each other, to ourselves, and to the world. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations – and communities. Which is what Baby Bank Network is all about.

Simple, tiny acts of kindness have power. They can brighten someone’s day or change their life.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” — Ronald Reagan

How about trying one of these small acts of kindness this Friday:

1. Smiling at someone when you walk past. You might be the only person they’ve seen all day.
2. Complimenting someone on their hair – or their face mask! It’ll make you both feel good.
3. Calling a relative you haven’t spoken to for a while – or sending them a kind letter. Who doesn’t love receiving real post!
4. Planting a tree – imagine if we all showed that sort of kindness to our planet.
5. Saying thank you! Showing your gratitude and saying, ‘thank you’, is one of the kindest things you can do.

So this World Kindness Day, we’d like to thank you for the kindness you show to Baby Bank Network. For all your donations, practical support and kind words – we couldn’t do this without you.

We are staying open through lockdown and are accepting donations and any support you can offer. Here are a few suggestions:

• Are you having a pre-Christmas clear-out? Check our wish list to see if there’s anything you could donate to Baby Bank Network.
• Maybe you could donate the price of the coffee you’re no longer picking up on your commute once a month to
• If you’re already shopping on Amazon, could you add something from our wish list for a child in need?
• If you have a bit of spare time and would like to volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

Be kind to yourself, and thank you for your support.

Love, Baby Bank Network