A charity in Maidenhead has been awarded A Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

The Baby Bank, a charity which provides baby and children’s (0-16) clothes and essential equipment to families in need in Berkshire and surrounding areas, has been given the award this week.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service, previously known as The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, is an annual award given to groups in the voluntary sector of the United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies. 

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It is awarded for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers.

Writing about the award online, a spokesperson for The Baby Bank said: “We are beyond delighted to share with you that we have been awarded a Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

“Equivalent to an MBE, it is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.

“For a small charity like ours, fueled mostly by our amazing volunteers, this recognition is all thanks to the tireless, unwavering dedication, and passion our team pour in to the charity daily.

“Without them we wouldn’t be able to provide the support that we do to families throughout Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hillingdon.

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“Whether it’s deliveries, sorting donations, meeting and greeting families, accepting donations or fundraising for us, these are all undertaken by wonderful kindhearted people in our community who generously donate their time for others.

“Thank you to you all.”

People and supporters of the charity were quick to celebrate the news.

One supporter wrote: “This is fantastic news, Congratulations, you so deserve the recognition.” Another added: “Brilliant you all work so hard helping so many, well done. Your selflessness is amazing.”

A third supporter said: “This is amazing and so well deserved. You all do an amazing job and it’s so good that has been recognised and awarded.”

“Massively deserved! Such an amazing team. It’s always a pleasure to work alongside you all,” wrote another.

The Baby Bank, based in Holyport Road, Maidenhead, was founded in 2015. The website reads: “We are passionate about supporting families in extreme need, and our goal is to ensure all children have the best possible start in life.”

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As well as baby clothes, the charity can help families with newborn start kits, clothing bundles, essential supplies and school uniforms.

Access to the bank is based on third-party referral by professionals such as community midwives, health visitors and family support workers.

They help everyone from victims of fire and flooding, people who have been isolated from their families, victims of domestic violence, teenage mothers, and many more.