A KEIGHLEY charity that has helped 735 families in two years is desperately seeking new premises.

Pass On Preloved Items (POPI) needs a base for its stock of baby clothes and equipment to give to families in need.

The charity has to find a suitable base before its existing premises in the former Peter Black factory are demolished to make way for new business units.

In recent months POPI volunteers have looked at many buildings around Keighley but they were either too expensive or unsuitable.

The charity not only needs space to store its items, but parking for either people donating goods or support agencies picking items up for their clients.

POPI also makes up hampers for new mothers, containing essential items, a message of solidarity and love, and a list of places to go for additional support.

The charity relies on donations from local people in the form of second-hand equipment and clothing for babies and young children, as well as cash.

POPI buys some items new, such as safety gates and mattresses because it cannot pass them on second-hand.

The charity also runs nearly-new sales of surplus clothes, toys and shoes, with the aim of easing the financial burden for many families.

POPI was set up in March 2017 by Samantha Craven to provide clothing and equipment to families in need across the district.

Since November that year, POPI has operated out of the Aire Valley Business Centre, in the former Peter Black premises on Lawkholme Lane.

During that time the charity has given out 3,880 items and helped 735 families.

Last month alone the volunteers helped 57 families with 320 items, including prams, cots, safety gates, clothing and toys.

Recently registered as a charity, POPI works with a range of local agencies and partners to identify parents in need of support.

Samantha said POPI struggling to find new premises that were suitable, around 1,000 square foot, and within two miles of the centre of Keighley.

She added: “We have grown so much in the past two years in terms of what we are able to offer to the community, and we now need a space that can accommodate us.

“It needs to be professional, accessible and close to the town centre.”

One of the organisations that relies on POPI is the T-Natal project at Keighley Healthy Living

Laura Jennings, who runs T-Natal, said: “POPI is unique in what it offers. POPI enables us to help young parents that are facing financial hardship by ensuring no child goes without.

“We feel at ease knowing POPI is there when we need to access it for the families we support.”

Anyone who can help POPI find a new base should call 07514 535079 visit the POPI Facebook page.