Making a Difference: Our April & May Community Impact
As spring arrived, so too did a wave of urgent needs from families across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Over the past two months, we’ve continued to respond to increasing referrals with speed and care, delivering practical support that makes a real difference to children and their families during difficult times.
Thanks to your generosity and the tireless work of our staff, volunteers and referral partners, we’ve been able to say yes when it matters most.
April: Preparing for New Arrivals, Easing Pressure on Families
In April, we supported 81 children: an 88% increase compared to the same time last year. From growing families to unexpected crises, we were there to help families navigate some challenging times.
Here’s a snapshot of what we provided:
46 clothing bundles
28 nappy bundles
47 toiletries packs (for children and adults)
12 pre-loved items and 7 new items of baby equipment
One of the referrals came from a community midwife:
“The family are welcoming a newborn any day now and the pram they had acquired from a friend broke unexpectedly putting them in a stressful situation as they do not have the means to replace a pram, and one needed so soon. Little Stars support took a load of pressure off the family and ensured they have everything they need to welcome their new baby. The eldest son will also benefit from having alternative transport with the buggy board meaning mum does not have to push two prams if alone.”
We also supported a little girl with complex needs who was starting to find her feet and needed extra safety measures at home:
“On behalf of my daughter and my family, we would like to express our appreciation to yourself and LITTLE STARS for all the things you gave us. They mean a lot to us. Especially, the safety gates and the nappies. We couldn’t be happier and grateful. As a mum who has been struggling to get these things, when we saw them, we were overwhelmed. Thank you so much!”
And in one urgent case, we supported a mum who was due to give birth within hours. She had planned to access help in another city but couldn’t travel due to pregnancy complications. We quickly packed a bundle of essentials including toiletries, nappies, blankets and baby grows and were able to deliver it and meet mum just hours before she gave birth to her little boy.
May: Responding to Urgent Needs quickly
In May, we supported 74 children: a 76% increase on May last year. Many of the referrals this month came from families fleeing domestic abuse, often with little more than the clothes on their backs. When everything has been left behind, your support allows us to offer comfort and practical help at a time it’s needed most.
With your help, we provided:
24 Nighttime Essentials bundles
20 pieces of pre-loved equipment and 8 items sourced new
51 clothing bundles
64 bundles of toiletries and nappies
Support for 11 pregnant women
Throughout May, we also received an influx of referrals for pregnant women expecting babies in a matter of weeks. Due to a range of factors impacting their pregnancies they weren’t prepared for the birth and still required some essential items for their little ones. With help from the generous donations we receive, we were able to provide some lovely bundles of clothes and accessories, blankets and bedding, bottles, moses baskets, prams, nappies and toiletries to all the expectant mum’s.
Another mum was struggling to provide the basics for her newborn. Your kindness helped us deliver toiletries and stimulating toys, giving her baby a better start.
Together, We Make a Difference
Every single bundle we deliver is a team effort, made possible by our dedicated staff and volunteers, our referral partners, and the ongoing support from people like you.
As demand continues to rise, we remain committed to reaching children across our county with the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, and cared for.
Thank you for being part of our Little Stars community.
If you’d like to help us continue this vital work, please consider donating, volunteering, or sharing our mission.
