IN a demonstration of community spirit, members of the Guildford Grammar School community have come together to support families in need.

Partnering with local volunteers and St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals (SJGMPPH), this community led effort has successfully collected and donated essential items to support expectant and new mothers.

The initiative, devised by SJGMPPH neonatal clinical nurse Kate Ashworth, involved an initial reach out to local community groups for essential items for expectant and new mothers.

Her request was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, and families and individuals rallied to contribute toiletry and tote bags filled with crucial items for mothers and babies, which were then donated to the maternity unit at the hospital.

So far, the community effort has resulted in the donation of 100 tote bags and 50 toiletry bags to be distributed to families in need.

“The desire to give back to the community was strong within the Guildford Grammar School family. Often people want to help but don’t know where to go or where to start,” Mrs Ashworth said.

The Guildford Grammar administration office was designated as a collection point due to the high volume of donations from eager families.

Local volunteer group Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Scented Hearts and More WA also played a significant role in the initiative; the groups sewing and donating hearts for parents separated from their babies and providing toilet and tote bags, which were then filled with the donated items.

Alongside her two teenage children, Mrs Ashworth has prepared these bags, which included toiletries, baby clothes, swaddles, and beanies, for distribution to those in need.

“Guildford Grammar School is proud to be part of donating items of newborn clothing and toiletries for those in need. This act of kindness exemplifies the spirit of giving and unity within our school,” Guildford Grammar community engagement head Richie Longson said.