When People Keep Asking, It’s Time to Listen. The Birth of Tiny Treasure Baby Bank in Risca.
“If people keep asking for it, maybe they’re onto something.” This is a phrase often heard in business and non-profit circles alike. When multiple, unconnected people suggest the same idea again and again, it’s a sign that there’s real potential. At Community Volunteers Wales (CVW), this exact sentiment sparked the creation of the Tiny Treasure Baby Bank.
For months, various voices within our community—whether customers of the Pantri, representatives from partner organisations, or even our own volunteers—kept bringing up the idea of a baby bank within our registered charity. The suggestion was consistent and clear: there was a genuine need to support new parents in our community. Eventually, it became impossible to ignore.
In response, a small team of volunteers met to discuss how a baby bank could take shape and best serve families in Risca, and beyond. The location seemed obvious: the small room at the back of the Pantri, a familiar and accessible spot for locals. It was the perfect starting place for what we hoped would become a vital resource.
A New Baby Bank
The baby bank was designed with two key objectives in mind. First, we would accept donations of baby clothes and essentials, selling them at affordable prices to Pantri customers, and gifting them when necessary—just as we do with the Pantri. The proceeds would go back into the community, continuing CVW’s tradition of self-sustaining support and being a profit-for-good enterprise. Second, we would partner with local businesses to create ‘New Parent Parcels,’ packed with maternity products, nappies, blankets, and other essentials, to be gifted to families in need. The sponsored parcels would serve as a helping hand in those first early months.
With a single Facebook post announcing the idea, the response was overwhelming. Donations poured in—everything from newborn clothing to shoes, hats, headbands, and blankets. The shelves were quickly stocked, ready to provide for families across the region.
Donations can be dropped of at the Pantri during its opening times:
Our volunteers are energised, the shelves are full, and we are thrilled to announce that Tiny Treasure Baby Bank will officially open on Monday 21st October. We invite you to join us for the grand opening at 1pm, and see first-hand how the community has come together to support our youngest members and their families.
How you can support us.
Donations:
We’re currently accepting donations of the following:
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Baby Food
- Baby clothing (Newborn – 2 years old)
- Baby Blankets
Sponsorship:
New Parent Parcels (Email tara@cvw.org.uk for more information)
Volunteering:
There are many benefits to volunteering to not only your community but yourself, your wellbeing and your skillset. We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, whether you want to work at our baby bank, our Pantri, bike hub or Community Coffee shop The Snug – we have plenty of roles and opportunities available for you. Contact us today at info@cvw.org.uk to learn more.
