In 2021 Little Village turns five. We mark this anniversary in the middle of a pandemic with levels of child poverty in London at their highest level in decades. Covid is exposing and amplifying inequalities that already existed and hitting poorest families hardest. Many families that were just about coping before the coronavirus outbreak are now struggling to make ends meet. Even with lockdown restrictions gradually lifting, families living in poverty are at risk of being left behind.

The increased need for early years essentials means that we have never been busier. We supported 6,950 children in 2020 and want to ensure we can continue to match demand as the pandemic continues into 2021.

The families we help are facing a range of challenges: homelessness, unemployment, low wages and domestic violence. 1 in 3 of the families we support are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.

Covid restrictions mean that for the time being, families cannot visit our three community hubs around London (in Camden, Wandsworth and Southwark) to get the things they urgently need for their babies and children to have the best start in life.

So we have taken Little Village directly to families' doors. We deliver essential kit such as nappies, wipes, Moses baskets, cots, buggies, clothes bundles and hygiene products; most of the items we pass on have been donated to us by another family. Volunteer drivers, bicycle couriers and delivery companies all help us get the items to the families who need them most.

We're keeping in touch with families during these difficult and isolating times, calling over 100 families each week, checking in with them about items they need, having a chat and signposting to further support where needed. We are in a unique position to be able to reach the families who need this support. We work with over 1800 professionals such as midwives, health visitors and other grassroots charities.

Every penny we raise will help us to help families through this very tough time.

--> £10 could buy nappies and wet wipes to keep a babys bottom clean and dry for a month

--> £20 could pay for a mattress so we can gift a cot with bedding worth over £120 to keep a child safe and warm with a place to sleep

--> £50 could deliver newborn buggies worth £350 to five mums so they have the freedom to get out and about

--> £100 could pay for our skilled team to call and support 10 families facing difficult problems and reducing isolation and stress

--> £500 could pay for hygiene packs with everything needed to keep 16 babies clean, dry and safe for a whole month and freeing up money for a family to eat