Volunteers at the Williamstown Hospital opportunity shop are helping mothers of newborns at Sunshine under a new campaign called ‘From one Mum to Another’.
Volunteers have been working with midwives to ensure blankets, clothes and other items are given to mothers who have difficulty providing for their babies.
Now, the op shop is collecting care packs for the mums themselves – in time for Mother’s Day on May 8.
People can drop off small care packs in a toiletry bag, small box or basket, or wrapped in plastic.
These could include items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, hairbrush, soap, moisturiser or deodorant.
Nicky Cooper, from the op shop, said people are also being asked to include a personal note to the mother.
“One of the most important ideas behind ‘From one Mum to Another’ is that this is a personal donation,” she said.
“We have seen how touched the mothers are … and we want them to know the community cares.”
Sunshine Hospital midwife Carolyn Barker said it would be nice for mums themselves to receive a gift.
“It was breaking our hearts when we had mothers leaving the Sunshine Hospital’s maternity unit with a gorgeous newborn baby, yet with little ability to buy the basic clothing and bedding a newborn needs,” she said.
“We thought it would be lovely, if around Mother’s Day, we were also able to give the mothers a little something.”
Donations can be made until the end of April at the op shop at 47 Ferguson Street, Williamstown, or at Sunshine Hospital op shop.
