Northland sisters hope to help tiny tots with Pepi Pride

BABY LOVE: Latoya Hood, 19, and her sister Kasey Hood, 16, show off donated baby clothes they plan to give to struggling families. PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

Two Northland sisters are appealing to the community for baby clothes in order to help less fortunate children this winter.

Pepi Pride is a local charity appeal aimed at helping struggling Northland families by giving out donated pre-loved baby clothing and Latoya Hood, 19, from Morningside, is the driving force behind the idea.

This year she attended the Northland Youth Summit, in Kaitaia, and was part of a group who put their heads together to come up with ways to help others in the community.

"There was about five of us," said Latoya. "But sadly when it was over we all kind of disbanded since we were all spread out over the region. But the idea stuck with me and I wanted to see if I could pull it off."

Latoya, who isn't a mother herself, is employed at Youth Service Whangarei and sees younger parents in need of help coming in to her work.

"I know it's hard sometimes for them to get financial help, it's a struggle to get food, let alone clothes that the baby will grow out of in a few months. So I wanted to help, especially since this winter has been so cold."

Latoya has enlisted the help of her sister, Kasey, 16, and both started distributing flyers to local businesses over the past few weeks.

"We've had a lot of positive responses from the community. A few companies have offered to be drop off points for donations," said Latoya.

Recently, Citizen Advice Bureau and Creative Northland have opened their doors as collection points to help with the appeal.

Latoya is planning an event to distribute clothes to families but she is waiting for more clothes to come in before dates are announced.

"Ideally we are aiming for 150-200 rubbish bags full of clothes."

The Hood sisters are also planning a collection day to help people who are not able to drop off donations themselves. Although clothes are the main focus of the appeal, the sisters are happy to accept any donated child and baby gear such as furniture, prams, cloth nappies, baby supplies and stuffed animals or toys.

"I think instead of just caring for your own baby, why don't we all come together and take care for the whole community and make a difference," said Latoya.

"We really can make a difference if we try."

Items can be donated at Whangarei Youth Centre, Citizen's Advice Bureau, Creative Northland. More information is on Pepi Pride's Facebook page.