A meaningful way to earn those community service hours is by helping moms and babies in need.
Johannesburg, South Africa (01 July 2026) – We’ve celebrated many good things brought on by The Grace Factory over the years. The NPO has celebrated more than 29,000 ‘maternity packs’ distributed to moms and babies, providing them with the basic items they need.
These maternity packs are filled with essentials like clothes, blankets, toiletries, and nappies for moms who often arrive at the hospital with very little. They’re distributed across the country at public hospitals, clinics and through partner organisations that help families get off to a better start.
Volunteers are a big part of making it all happen – the organisation regularly hosts Packing Days, where helping hands work to assemble hundreds of packs filled with basic goodies for baby and mom.
If you need community service hours, this is a great place to earn them. And if you don’t need the hours, it’s still a wonderful way to spend some time helping others in a meaningful way. Below are four ways to get involved!
Cut and sew baby blankets
If you’re handy with a pair of scissors or you can sew, The Grace Factory is always looking for volunteers to make fleece baby blankets. They become part of the maternity packs and are something every newborn will use.
“Cut and overlock baby blankets from fleece blanket material (size 75x100cm) overlocking them is an optional extra).”
Knit or crochet baby items
Beanies, jerseys, blankets and booties are always needed. Whether you’re a pro knitter or just a hobbyist, every item helps fill a maternity pack with something warm made with love and care. This brings comfort to a baby in his or her first weeks of life, earth-side.
Organise a collection drive
Get your school, workplace, church or community group involved by collecting items. It’s an easy way to help if you can’t volunteer in person.
“Host a donation drive and help us collect much needed baby items, like clothing, blankets, nappies and toiletries.”
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Join a packing day
One of the most popular ways to volunteer is by joining a packing day, where volunteers work together to fill maternity packs ready for distribution! The next one takes place on Mandela Day, 18 July, in Johannesburg, the Vaal and Hillcrest, where the goal is to pack a total of 1500 maternity packs!
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