Charity hopes to roll out ‘big red bin’ initiative following success

Lorraine Harman and Dr Paul Jones with the donated items

A donations drive, initiated by Worthing charity BabyBuddy in partnership with The Orchards Community Middle School has been well received.

A big red bin was left on-site at the school last week, with parents and children encouraged to clear their cupboards in time for Christmas and bring in unwanted toys and books.

Every day the 240 litre bin, was filled to the brim with goodies.

Lorraine Harman, BabyBuddy co-founder and trustee, said: “We are totally overwhelmed by the school’s generosity, we have collected so much excellent stuff, this will really make a huge difference this Christmas.”

A complete 1768 Encyclopedia Britannica, more than 20 Nintendo Wii and Playstation games, 40 soft toys of various shapes and sizes were collected on Monday, as well six boxes and 12 bin-liners full of items.

The donations were then taken to the charity’s shop in The Guildbourne Centre to be checked through and marked up for sale.

The collection coincides with BabyBuddy’s Christmas Grotto, which launches this weekend.

Slots are available to guarantee a seat on Santa’s lap, via the charity’s Facebook page and website – www.babybuddy.org.uk

Dr Paul Jones, The Orchards headteacher, said he was happy to be involved.

Following the initiative’s success. BabyBuddy is keen to roll out the ‘Big Red Collection Bin’ again soon, and would like to hear from any schools interested in taking part.