FAQ
Do you offer a collection service for items I want to donate?
We do not currently offer a collection service.
How do I know what you need?
The easiest way to find what we’ve been up to and what our current needs are is by liking or following us on Facebook. You can also sign up to receive emails or follow us on Instagram and twitter.
Do you have a list of what you accept and what quality do the items have to be in?
We post regular updates to our Facebook page with items we are accepting, or you can take a look on the Donation Guide section of our website. Items must be in excellent preloved or new condition. If you would give it to your best friend or accept it yourself, then we will take it!
Do I need to clean the items I am donating?
Yes please. We are a small team of volunteers, and we work in a small space with little room to clean. For further information please refer to our checklist and how to make a fantastic donation.
What else can I donate?
New mums deserve a bit of looking after too. The occasional treat – such as some chocolate, a nice shower gel or soothing hand cream and other toiletries are always appreciated.
We also accept sealed sanitary products: disposable breast pads, sanitary towels, disposable pants which we include in the bundles.
Maternity clothes, Breastfeeding clothes and Breastfeeding pillows.
Where and when can I drop off items?
You can arrange a time to make a drop off, or come in on one of our regular donation days. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook to find out when they are.
Why do I need to email before donating?
We ask everyone to email before donating so we can ensure we can make the most of your donations and they are suitable for the families we help. Also, our storage is not always open, so we want to make sure that someone will be there to meet you.
Can you give me drop off details over Facebook/Twitter?
We deliberately do not publicise our address as we don’t want people dropping items when the storage is shut. Our social media team are all volunteers, responding to queries whilst juggling their paid jobs and home life. We aim to respond to every query but this can take some time.
What will you do with money donations?
Monetary donations go towards brand new items that cannot be donated. Such as new Moses basket, mattresses, new baby car seat, bottle teats, replacement parts for donated items and items in high demand when we do not have enough donated stock.
Money donated can also help towards the operational cost of Josimah Baby Bank.
What happens to our donations?
Once we have received the items we will check them and sort them into relevant boxes – clothes, nappies, wipes, toiletries, etc. We check the clothes for stains, rips and tears. Then we make up seasonal bundles of clothes within certain age ranges.
What happens after I make a referral?
Once we have received a referral from a referral partner we start to make up their requested items. If there are any items requested that we do not have, we might put a request out on Facebook for donations. Once the items are ready, we will contact the referrer to arrange a time for collection. (In exceptional circumstances, we might arrange to drop them off to the family ourselves.)
If you have made a referral to us we will contact you within 48hrs to confirm receipt of request and arrange collection. If it is an urgent request please let us know.
If you have any questions or an urgent request, do not hesitate to email us.