Essential Trafford baby bank could close without urgent help

In Trafford, a life-changing charity is facing a make-or-break moment.

The Little Green Sock Project, a baby bank based in Stretford, has become an irreplaceable lifeline for struggling families across Greater Manchester.

Since it opened in 2022, the charity has provided over 1,300 children with essential items, redistributing more than £240,000 worth of goods—prams, clothing, cots, and more—while saving 20 tonnes of items from landfill.

But now, this community lifeline is in danger of closing its doors forever.

With its premises at Stretford Mall set for demolition in 2025, Little Green Sock needs to raise £200,000 by January to secure a new home and continue supporting the region’s most vulnerable children.

For families already facing the harsh realities of poverty, domestic abuse, and rising costs, losing this charity would mean losing a crucial safety net. This Christmas, the charity is asking the community to come together once more to save their vital work.

Little Green Sock

The story of Little Green Sock begins with its founder, Catherine D’Albertanson, whose childhood experience of domestic abuse left a lasting impact. “As a young child, I witnessed daily abuse. We escaped, but back in the 80s, there was no support like this. We had to return to collect belongings, which pulled us back into the cycle of violence,” she reflected.

Catherine’s memories shaped her vision: to create a service that could provide stability, dignity, and essential items to families in their moments of greatest need.

That vision became reality in March 2022 when Catherine started the Little Green Sock Project after giving birth to her second child. Donating her own children’s outgrown clothes, she quickly realised the magnitude of the need.

Today, the charity works with health visitors, food banks, and domestic abuse refuges to reach families across Greater Manchester.

By redistributing high-quality pre-loved items, Little Green Sock has ensured that no child goes without—even during the toughest times.

“It’s not just about the items themselves—it’s the care and thoughtfulness behind them,” said one mother who benefited from the project.

“When I was pregnant with my first child, I felt completely alone and terrified. But when I found Little Green Sock, everything changed. They gave me bundles that were carefully chosen, colour-coordinated, and wrapped beautifully. It made me feel seen and cared for at a time when I felt invisible.”

Community at Its heart

Community is the beating heart of the Little Green Sock Project. In just 18 months, local residents have come together to donate, volunteer, and spread the word. Over 300 volunteers have dedicated more than 7,000 hours of their time to the cause.

From teenagers helping with collections to retirees lending their sewing and organisational skills, the effort spans generations.

“Our volunteers are incredible,” said Catherine. “Whether it’s young people giving us insight into what’s trending or older volunteers ironing and mending clothes with love, their contributions make a huge difference.

“Together, we’ve distributed over 1,500 bundles of clothing and equipment to families in need.”

These bundles aren’t just about practicality; they’re about restoring dignity. A pram becomes a lifeline for a parent with young children. Stairgates create safe spaces for toddlers to explore.

Even a simple pair of wellies can turn muddy puddles into magical adventures, ensuring no child misses out on the joy of childhood.

But Little Green Sock’s work goes beyond helping individual families. By promoting a circular economy, the charity encourages sustainable living and reduces waste. “There’s so much overconsumption of toys, clothing, and children’s items,” Catherine explained.

“We provide the link between families who want to give and those who desperately need support.”

A call for help

Despite its success, the charity is facing its biggest challenge yet. With its 5,000 sq ft space in Stretford Mall scheduled for demolition, Little Green Sock must find a new home by 2025.

The cost of securing a long-term lease and fitting out a new premises is daunting, and the charity must raise £200,000 by January to avoid closure.

The need for Little Green Sock’s services has never been greater. In Trafford alone, more than 11,000 children live in poverty—a shocking figure for Greater Manchester’s wealthiest borough.

Many of these families are single-parent households or survivors of domestic abuse who have left everything behind to protect their children.

“Without new premises, we will have no choice but to close,” Catherine warned. “This would be devastating for the families we serve and for our community. We need help to continue making a difference.”

How you can Help The Little Green Sock

The Little Green Sock Project’s Save Our Baby Bank Campaign aims to raise £200,000 to secure the charity’s future. Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Every pound brings the charity closer to a new home.

Spread the Word: Share the campaign through social media, local groups, or personal networks to reach potential donors and partners.

Corporate Sponsorship: Businesses can make a huge impact by sponsoring the new space or organising workplace collections.

“We believe that, with the right support, we can find a solution,” said Catherine. “Whether it’s offering space, connecting us with potential partners, or contributing financially, any help could make a life-changing difference.”

A lifeline worth saving

For families in Greater Manchester, the Little Green Sock Project is so much more than a baby bank; it’s a place of hope, compassion, and resilience. This Christmas, as the community comes together to celebrate, it’s also a time to rally around this vital cause.

As one mother said: “I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without Little Green Sock.

“It breaks my heart to think they might have to close. I hope, with all my heart, that our community comes together to keep this lifeline alive.”

How to donate to the Little Green Sock

To donate, visit the Little Green Sock Project’s JustGiving page by clicking here or find out more on their website here Together, we can ensure no child goes without the basics they need to thrive.