As the mother of two small children, Barbara Williams was always amazed when cleaning out the youngsters’ things to find how much they weren’t using that was simply too good to throw away.

She came up with an idea.

Ms Williams, the managing director of nanny placement agency Care@Home Services, decided to ask some of her business’ 70 client families if they had any toys, clothes and book items to give away.

The response was so overwhelming that the agency is gearing up to host its First Annual Care Giveaway, taking place at the Botanical Gardens Visitor’s Centre on Saturday from 8am until 3pm.

Ms Williams said: “Our clients all tend to be well-to-do expatriate families in a position to hire a nanny full time, and all have so much to give.

“They are so richly and materially blessed and tend to provide well for their children so when I approached them with the idea they were very receptive. I went to pick everything up and was happy to see they have responded beautifully and now we are packaging it all.”

Locals will be invited to take a bag and can fill it with gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys and unlimited books. Bermudian stores, and companies, have also donated gas and electricity vouchers, and food items for the event.

Ms Williams said they were hoping for a great turn out, and want to see a large number of families blessed by this event.

“Charity truly begins at home, and we are so very richly blessed,” she said. “With the support of our clients, we will impact so many families who, in many cases, are in need of the basics for their children.

“At this time of year, the feeling of inadequacy weighs so heavily on parents who are struggling. I personally just wanted to help.

“We’ve been really overwhelmed by the response. And our staff has gone above and beyond in helping families sort, wash, iron and pack for donation. It’s been great.”

Partners and sponsors, including: Barritts, Goslings, Hunts Food & Supplies, The Catalyst Group, Esso and Rubis partners and many individual client families.

Doors to the visitor centre will open on Saturday at 8am.