Manchester’s vital baby bank and community charity, Little Green Sock Project, has reached the halfway mark in its critical fundraising campaign to secure its future and continue supporting local families. Of the £200,000 target, it has successfully raised an incredible £102,000 – a milestone fuelled by a generous £50,000 donation from L&Q, one of the UK’s leading housing associations.
The campaign was launched following news that the charity’s current premises in Stretford Mall are scheduled for demolition in 2025. Without securing a new premises by March 2025, the baby bank’s services — a lifeline for families across Trafford, Salford, and Manchester — will be forced to close, leaving the Trafford area without any baby bank provision.
Reaching the £100,000 milestone is a significant achievement, but the charity still urgently needs the remaining £100,000 to guarantee a permanent home in 2025. A new base would allow Little Green Sock to establish stable roots, expand its services, and provide long-term support to local families.
the impact of the project, Catherine D’Albertanson, founder of Little Green Sock Project, says: “Relief is a word we hear time and again from families we help. Relief that their child has a safe place to sleep, that a stairgate will prevent dangerous falls, that despite financial struggles, their children have warm clothes, books, and toys. Relief that there is somewhere to turn.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to have reached this halfway milestone thanks to the kindness and generosity of every single person and organisation who has stood by us. But our journey isn’t over yet. We desperately need continued support to reach the final target and keep this lifeline open for the families who depend on us. Without it, so many will face heartbreaking struggles with nowhere to turn.”
L&Q’s £50,000 donation marks a pivotal moment in the campaign. The housing association’s Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of residents by investing in community-led projects and targeting support in areas where need is greatest. Through the application of this place-based approach to community investment, they identified Trafford’s only baby bank as a top priority.
Alex Neil, Community Development Manager at L&Q’s Foundation, commented: “Little Green Sock offers a lifeline to families facing financial hardship through the provision of clothing and equipment. Their work ensures that children have access to the essentials they deserve, helping to create stronger and more resilient communities. It’s incredible to see the positive impact they’ve had on so many families. We hope our funding brings them closer to their goal of securing a permanent home, meaning that many more local children from disadvantaged backgrounds will have access to life’s necessities.”
The charity supports 100 children every month facing unimaginable challenges, distributing 1220 bundles of support in 2024 alone – bundles filled with care, dignity, and hope. This is a 47% increase since 2023.
With time running out, the charity is calling on businesses, community members, and local authorities to join forces and support its critical fundraising campaign. Contributions can be made through the charity’s website, or by reaching out directly to explore ways to get involved.
