LOOSE Women star Charlene White knows the importance of supporting parents in need – and is proud of the “super-heroes” who step up to help.
The daughter of a social worker, Charlene, 43, spent a morning sorting warm clothing donations at her local baby bank — Baby Basics in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey — for our Cosy At Christmas campaign.
The TV host, who gifted a huge bag of sleepsuits, jumpers and blankets, is backing our drive to help struggling families this Christmas, with Save The Children UK, baby bank group Little Village and 200 other baby banks nationwide.
She revealed her own mother Dorrett, who died of bowel cancer aged 47, taught her to care after witnessing the hardships faced by other families.
She said: “I think it was important for my mum that I understood how privileged I was to live with a mum and dad who loved and kept us safe.
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"I was always raised that paying it forward is important.
“When you are sitting around a table full of love with your kids this Christmas, please remember that there are parents who don’t have that love.
"You can give them a gift they’ll remember forever.”
During her visit, Charlene — who has kids Alfie, six, and four-year-old Florence with partner Andy — met baby bank boss Mary Somerville and volunteer Jill Fraser.
Retired nurse Mary, who set up the bank ten years ago, said: “We have had some very sad cases.
“One woman had nowhere for her new baby to sleep — only a cardboard box, and she was close to social services taking her baby away. We managed to get her a Moses basket and she could keep her baby.”
Baby Basics works with midwives, health visitors and other professional groups to provide support where it is needed most.
Volunteers collect, sort and pack a “Moses basket” of clothes, toiletries and essential baby equipment, which is gifted to parents in need.
The charity sends out 200 baskets a month, as well as ad-hoc items.
We are asking YOU to donate money or clothing, including coats, jumpers and PJs, to a local bank, which may also give out goods such as nappies, toys and prams.
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Sainsbury’s has donated £20,000 of pyjamas, and star mums including Chloe Madeley and Helen Flanagan have backed our appeal.
