A church has made an urgent appeal for funds to get a new heating system - and protect its vital baby bank.
The baby bank, at St John’s Church in Percy Main, North Tyneside, opened in March last year and has since helped more than 300 struggling parents by providing essentials for their young children.
However the Grade II-listed church building, including the room where the donated items are stored, has a failing heating system and there are fears this could result in damp and damage to the products.
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St John's needs £59,000 to get a new heating system. A grant of £30,000 has been secured from the Diocese of Newcastle, however the team still needs a further £29,000.
Rev Lee Cleminson, vicar at St John’s Church, said: "Our current heating system is completely outdated, inadequate, constantly failing and is a constant drain on our finances. It is about 30 years old.
"If we put the heating on at 6am, we still don't feel it at 11am. As well as our congregation, a number of groups use the building including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous and our regular Monday coffee morning. The church is also used for large social gatherings such as funerals, weddings, baptisms and various other charitable events.
"A good heating system is vital and it is very important for our much-needed baby bank. Proper heating would preserve the donated baby items, preventing damage and dampness.
"The baby bank prides itself on giving away good decent donations of high quality. If the items are damaged or damp, we would not be able to give them out to families."
The bank provides basic essentials for babies up to 18-months-old such as nappies, wipes, clothing, toiletries and baby formula. Baby bundles, including a Moses basket, are also given to parents in need. The church recently sent supplies to help families in Ukraine.
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Rev Cleminson said the church works with other organisations, including social services, midwives and the police, and families who are struggling financially are referred to them.
He also said members of the public had been very generous in their donations and praised the volunteers working at the baby bank who "put in a lot of time and effort" to make sure families were receiving clean and good standard items.
Rev Cleminson added: "The donations can be a lifeline for many. We have even had people who are working who have had to come and use the baby bank.
"They are getting to the middle of the month and finding themselves short of money. Some are in two minds and don't know whether to get gas and electricity or buy nappies.
"Every person who has come here and received something has been in genuine need. We have had young mothers break down in tears because they are so overjoyed by people's kindness and generosity."
Donations of baby items can be dropped off at the church, at St Johns Terrace, Percy Main, between 9.30am and 11.30am on Mondays and from 2.30pm to 4pm on Thursdays. St John's plans to hold various fundraising events to raise money for a new heating system. Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the fund can do so here.
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