Community Gem: Juliet Little

Juliet Little has made up more than 350 backpacks for children in need. Photo/John Borren

Walking through the gate of Juliet Little's Arataki home it's clear children are a big part of her life.

Miniature outdoor chairs and plastic bikes are neatly lined up outside. The colours have faded as if they've had a lot of use over the years.

A large colourful mat sits in the corner of the lounge and a little table and chairs are set up on the other side of the room.

Toys are stacked up against every wall, ready for the children to arrive for the day.

Little is a home-based early childhood educator but she does not stop caring for children once the last one leaves her house in the afternoon.

She collects donations of clothing, toys and toiletries and fills backpacks which are then given to children in need.

Little, who was once a foster parent, first started making the packs when she saw foster children with very few belongings.

"Some foster children get uplifted and they've got nothing at all. It's about giving them something of their own."

Little had fostered more than 30 children since 2014 and said some arrived with only "the clothes on their backs".

All Children Matter was created in January 2017 when Little noticed how much of a need there was in the local community.

Last year more than 350 backpacks were made up and given to children in need.

"There is a huge need out there."

The packs were distributed to local agencies including Oranga Tamariki, the Salvation Army and Tauranga Women's Refuge.

She ran a Facebook page, All Children Matter, where individuals could nominate people in need or could request a backpack for their own children.

"There's no judgment. People message the page and say if it's for a boy or a girl and what size they require."

Little relies on donations from the public of second-hand clothes and toys but some items such as backpacks and toiletries were bought new and donated.

Volunteers had helped by washing and drying donated goods or knitting beanies and scarfs for the winter months.

The project continues to grow as Little continues to "pay it forward".

"I find enjoyment in giving, I just love the gift of giving.

Get involved
For more information or to donate search "All Children Matter" on Facebook.