A MAMMOTH effort is under way to ensure the Sabanal family do not go without.

An “overwhelming” response from the public has seen everything from sofas to toothpaste and school uniforms handed in.

Sarah-Jane Gale, owner of Nappytastic Childcare Supplies, in Woolston, which is helping to co-ordinate residents’ efforts, said the response to the Fundraise for Hope campaign had raised around £800. She has taken donations ranging from £1 to £100 from as far away as Kent.

Sofas, washing machines and fridge-freezers have been donated mainly by the public, though Ms Gale has called on local businesses to also get involved.

Organisers were today taking over a storage unit at Antelope Business Park in Bursledon Road, Southampton, given for free by Sentry Self Storage. 

“It’s been overwhelming but we don’t want people to stop,” she said. “It just goes to show what true community spirit there is when the need is there.”

Items donated via the Salvation Army Church in Victor Street have taken over its youth room and include clothes, books, games and toys for Bella.

It is appealing for cash help so that Mr and Mrs Sabanal can buy  the right size clothes and kitchen utensils.

A family from London affected by a similar incident in February have helped out while Filipino Community Hampshire has organised its own collection of money and clothes with people able to donate through its officers or through Facebook. 

President Alvin Agbay said:  “Liberty and Jay are very grateful that they have this very strong community that are helping each other,” he added.

Churches Together in Shirley is encouraging parishioners to help while Wordsworth Primary School, where Bella is a pupil, said the Friends of Wordsworth Association has organised a new school uniform for her.

  • To donate via Nappytastic can call 023 8043 2931/07584 429638. Call the Salvation Army to help on 023 8077 1655.