What is it?
Well, it has nothing to do with fairies or leprechauns! It is a local charity that we at St John’s Grove support as part of our local Mission. The charity helps families in need of extra support with items like nappies, toys, equipment and vouchers for household goods. Typical clients include Theresa* from Romania who has a new baby. She was given a buggy with carrycot. Also Mandy* whose husband left her with five children including a 2 year old and 12 cats. She was given cat food that she couldn’t afford, plus nappies for the toddler. Also Balq* from Afganistan who has three children including a toddler, was given a stair-gate. These three women experienced the love of Jesus through the Little People charity.
What is the background?
Little People was started in 2010 by Tessa H and Jackie M to show Christ’s love to young mums with their babies. Since then, it has grown in scope to include refugees, homeless people and domestic abuse survivors. Tessa now runs Little People on her own with help from Hannah and members of St John Vianney Catholic Church. She is contacted by Health Visitors and Social Workers for help with clients. All their information is kept strictly confidential. Donated goods are sorted and then stored in a designated room in Tessa’s house in Wantage.
What does St John’s Grove do to help?
We do several things to support Little People. Firstly, we hold a Toy Services about a month before Christmas when congregants can donate new toys and gifts for children of all ages. These go to Tessa to distribute at Christmas. Secondly, we donate money to the charity from our Mission giving. And thirdly we take donated items, large or small, throughout the year, to Tessa for distribution.
What can I do to help?
Firstly, you can bring toys and games for children of all ages to the Toy Service (date TBA) also vouchers for older children to choose their own gifts. Secondly, through the year you can donate children’s clothes and shoes (all ages), nappies, larger equipment, food and household cleaning items.
Please bring these items to the Church Office to be taken to Tessa. Finally, and most importantly, you can pray for all the little people and families receiving the gifts which have been donated in the name of Jesus. For Jesus said:
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”.
Mark 10:14
– Barbara Talmage
* Real names not used to keep confidentiality
This article originally appeared in the St John’s Messenger. If you would like to discuss contributing a future article please contact news@valebenefice.org.uk.
