A church project in Wadebridge is aiming to help families by providing clothing to children.

The Grace Project, which launched at the end of July, was set up and is being run by church members at Egloshayle Church, Wadebridge, following an appeal in May for clothing donations.

The project is not a charity or a profit making organisation but rather a community project that takes the gift of pre-loved children’s clothing and re-distributes it to those who are in need.  No money is involved.

The idea for the Grace Project came from church member Helen Eustice who saw the impact the Cornwall Children’s Clothing Bank in Truro had on families and thought there might be a need in Wadebridge.

“I could not believe there was such a high demand for children’s clothing in an area like Truro and the number of families that relied on it to clothe their children. When I learned that the local foodbank and storehouse was moving to larger premises in this town it confirmed to me that there was a definite need so I went to talk to our vicar.”

With advice from those behind the Cornwall Children’s Clothing Bank, the Grace Project idea sprang to life.

Due to the current circumstances the clothing, which is for children aged 0 -12 years, has been carefully packaged in to individual bundles for girls and for boys, depending on their ages and sizes.  These bundles can be collected from Egloshayle Church by prior arrangement or drop-offs can be arranged if transport is an issue.

Revd Steve Payne said: “We put out an appeal in May for donations of children’s clothes and had a terrific response from the community. The project is inspired by a similar project in Truro. In these last couple of months, we have been packaging bundles of clothes in age groups for distribution. The costs of the project have come from church funds and individual donations of church members.”

Clothing is always needed so donations are most welcome and can be left at the church between 10am and 4pm any day of the week. A team of ladies from the parish then get to work sorting and bundling the clothing, ready for distribution. Shoes and coats are also available.

Helen added: “We are obviously reliant on the kind donations of clothing from people within our community and we really want to thank all those who have, and are, donating as well as those sorting, bundling, delivering and raising awareness.”

If you are interested in collecting a clothing bundle or donating clothing contact The Grace Project via its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WadebridgeGrace, via email grace@wadebridgeparish.org.uk or via https://www.instagram.com/info.wadebridgeparish/

Jackie Payne and Bernice Saitch, who have been helping to bundle the clothes and fundraise.