Supporting local families.
Everything we do is made possible by the generosity of our community.
Whether you donate items, give financially, volunteer your time, or fundraise for us, your support helps children across Milton Keynes receive the essentials they need.
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Donating Items
We’re incredibly grateful for every donation we receive. To help us safely support local families, please make sure donated items meet these guidelines.
Unfortunately, due to health and safety requirements, we’re unable to accept certain items, and unsuitable donations may need to be returned to help us avoid additional disposal costs.
Please note we are only able to accept donations via appointment. Please book a slot below.
If you are unsure if your item is suitable to donate, please contact us to check, as we incur costs to dispose of unsuitable items.
All donations will be used for the sole purpose and aims of the charity.
Clothing & Shoes
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Excellent condition only – no stains, holes, or tears
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Unbranded school uniform accepted
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Handmade items: [see list here]
We cannot accept items for ages 6+. Please visit MK Storehouse for donating older children’s and adult clothing.
Toiletries, Formula &
Baby Food
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Must be unopened and in date
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Baby/toddler toiletries
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Mum’s toiletries (e.g. maternity towels, breast pads, toothbrushes)
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Sealed nappies (all sizes), baby wipes
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Formula (not prescription) & pre-made baby food
Small Equipment
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Toys and books for ages 0–6
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Stairgates
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Feeding items (cups, bowls, bottles, etc.)
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High chairs (metal/plastic, working harness)
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Baby baths, changing mats, bouncers, water sterilisers
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Towels, blankets, bedding, changing bags
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Toilet training items
We cannot accept:
Large toys, electric/microwave sterilisers, wooden/Bumbo/booster seats, changing stations, mattresses (unless new), bottle warmers, nappy bins, cot bumpers, teddies
Large Equipment
Sleeping items (Cots, cotbeds, Moses baskets):
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Must be clean, complete, mould-free
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No drop-side cots
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Please dismantle before donating
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No mattresses unless new in sealed packaging
Pushchairs (up to 8 years old):
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Mould-free, working brakes/harness/wheels
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Easy to fold/unfold
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Carrycot base must not be cracked
We cannot accept:
Travel cots, single beds, next-to-me cribs, car seats, isofix bases, wardrobes, drawers, changing tables, nursing chairs
Become a Volunteer
Our volunteers offer their valuable time and experience to ensure we meet the needs of vulnerable families in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
A lot of our clients find themselves in very challenging situations and it’s our responsibility to offer compassion and the best support we possibly can to make their time easier.
Being able to experience the smiles and happy tears of our clients when they collect their items is unmissable – you will not find job satisfaction like it.
We have volunteering opportunities available in the following areas. Please express your interest by getting in touch.
Volunteering...
in our Warehouse
We have volunteer opportunities available Monday, Wednesday or Thursday every week and our session run from 9am-1pm.
To support the stability of the charity we ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 1 day per week.
What the volunteer role involves:
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Sorting through the wonderful donations we receive
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Putting away our freshly washed clothing
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Creating packages of items tailored for each of our clients, ensuring they have everything they need
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Meeting and greeting clients and professionals who are collecting their gift parcels and people who come to our warehouse to generously drop off their donations
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Supporting with our fundraising events
To choose the right volunteering opportunity at Baby Basics MK, please be aware our warehouse is a fast-paced environment; the role does involve lifting items, standing for multiple hours and the warehouse is cool in the winter.
Volunteering...
in our Community
We have volunteering opportunities available throughout the year at community events, local fetes, baby clinics and fundraising activities.
What the volunteer role involves:
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Supporting our team at community events and local fetes
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Helping to set up and pack away stalls and displays
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Speaking with members of the public about the work of Baby Basics MK
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Assisting with the sale of excess clothing packs in exchange for voluntary donations
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Promoting awareness of our services and supporting fundraising activities
To choose the right volunteering opportunity at Baby Basics MK, please be aware that some roles may involve lifting and carrying equipment, setting up displays, and spending periods of time standing outdoors.
Volunteering...
at Top-Up Shop
Wednesday's 11.30am-2.30pm - King's Community Centre, Wolverton
We partnered with MK Foodbank and King's Community Centre to introduce the Top-Up Shop service. We provide clients a way to allow their budgets to stretch a little further by providing cupboard food, toiletries, baby food, nappies and formula at a discounted cost.
We have multiple volunteer opportunities during this session including; registering clients, supporting clients with selecting items and helping provide clients with refreshments and a friendly face to talk to.
Volunteering...
from Home
Do you want to volunteer for us but unable to do so during the day? We have a selection of roles that you can do from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This volunteering opportunity is flexible to fit your busy schedule.
Grant/Bid Writer
We are looking for an experienced grant/bid writer to join our team.
The main roles will include;
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Helping raise awareness of the charity, what we do and how we can support clients
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Apply for grants for the charity to support with:
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Operational costs; bills, salary costs
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New project/service start up costs
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Funding for current brand new items we have to purchase for clients
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Sewing
We are looking for sewers to join our team making our recycled bags for clothing, toys & toiletries. You can do this all from the comfort of your own home.
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Our Sewing Network
We have an amazing group of people who volunteer their time, skills and materials to create handmade items for the families we support.
As part of the network, you'll be invited to join our WhatsApp group, where volunteers can keep in touch, share ideas, access patterns and support one another. It's a friendly community of people who enjoy crafting for a good cause.
If you'd like to join our Sewing Network, we'd love to hear from you.
Items We Can Accept
Cardigans
We can accept knitted or crocheted cardigans in newborn sizes only:
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Premature (12" chest)
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Newborn (14" chest)
We ask that these are made in blue, pink or white.
Blankets
We can accept blankets suitable for moses baskets or buggies, approximately 30"x30".
We ask that these are made in blue, pink or white.
Hats
We can accept hats in sizes from newborn up to 6 years old.
Items We Cannot Accept
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept knitted or crocheted items that are not listed above, including: booties or shoes, soft toys or jumpers.
Essential Items
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our local community and businesses. To reduce waste and prevent items from going to landfill, we reuse as many donated items as possible.
However, some products must be purchased new for hygiene or safety reasons, while others are distributed so frequently that donations do not meet demand.
We are always in need of the items on this list.
If you would like to help, you can purchase any of these items from your preferred retailer and have them delivered directly to us (please note that our warehouse is only open for deliveries Monday to Friday), or book a delivery slot to drop them off in person using the button below.
Thank you for your support.
Every donation makes a difference.
Nappy Changing & Baby Care
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Nappies
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Wipes
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Nappy cream
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Nappy sacks
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Baby oil
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Talcum powder
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Cotton wool
Bathing & Grooming
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Sponge or flannel
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Baby shampoo or top-to-toe wash
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Shampoo & conditioner (or 2-in-1) for children aged 2–6 years
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Shower gel or bubble bath
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Hairbrush or comb
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Bobbles and/or clips
Feeding
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Formula
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Bottles
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Teats
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Pre-made baby food (e.g. baby rice, rusks, biscuits, fruit/breakfast puree, lunch/dinner puree)
We also keep our Amazon Wishlist updated with essential items we currently need. If you would prefer, you can purchase items directly from the list and have them delivered to us.
Thank you for your support.
Fundraising
Fundraising is a fantastic way to support local families while bringing people together for a great cause.
Whether you're taking on a personal challenge, organising a workplace fundraiser, hosting a community event or celebrating a special occasion, every pound raised helps us continue providing essential support to families who need it most.
From bake sales and coffee mornings to sponsored walks and charity challenges, there are countless ways to get involved.
Get in touch for more details about our fundraising pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Families we've helped
"I just didn't know what to do. We tried to get everything we needed for our baby but we was struggling to find the money. Our rent and bills have gone up, my partner is working more hours but we are finding things really tough.
Baby Basics MK helped take away our worry of our new baby not having what she needed."
Anonymous parents
I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Baby Basics for the incredible support they have given me. From the time I gave birth until now, they have helped me with clothing and other essential items for my baby, which made a huge difference during a very important and sensitive time in my life.
Their kindness, understanding and practical support relieved a lot of stress and helped me feel supported and cared for as a mother.
Anonymous parents
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Thank you to our supporters
Together, we can give every child the best start.
MK Charity Hub
Barford, Galley Hill,
Milton Keynes, MK11 1PE
Opening days
Monday-Thursday 9am - 1pm
01908 968488