A baby and toddler group in Macclesfield is to buy new toys thanks to funding from the Co-op.

Rainbow Tots is a weekly group held every Monday at Cavalry Church on Merebrook Road in Macclesfield.

The two-hour get-together is a social group as much for parents and grandparents as it is for the children.

It is one of 12 Macclesfield causes that the Co-op will give money to in 2023.

Macclesfield Nub News met with Cavalry Church Pastor Gary Holdcroft and Mandy Sproston who help out at Rainbow Tots.

"Rainbow Tots is open to parents or guardians and their children from birth to when they go to school," said Gary.

"It is a free service for people to come down, get warm, socialise and have tea or toast but we do ask for a £1 donation if possible.

Cavalry Church is located on 2 Merebrook Road, Macclesfield SK11 8RH. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We have about 25 people coming every week. As a church we are here to build a relationship within the community.

"What is great is that you tend to find kids that first come as a tot tend to grow up together in the church as we have after school clubs for multiple age groups as well. The Rainbow Tots could be a part of a lifelong friendship."

The Church on the Weston is powered by volunteers, with Rainbow Tots being no exception.

With no budget for a salary, means there's also no budget for activities for the children.

Families from all walks of life attend the event. Of different nationalities, religious status, and more. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We'd love to buy some new modern toys for the little ones", added Gary.

"Especially for ones that have been here for a few years. It is always nice to get something new.

"The voluntary £1 donation we ask for only covers the cost of the bread and coffee we serve. But we'd love to spend on some big toys, which is why we applied to be a Co-op cause for this year.

"We are particularly keen to get soft play equipment, which isn't cheap. A ball pit and junior climbing frame would be nice as well.

Many kids first meet at Rainbow Tots and become friends throughout life. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We'd like a few more bigger toys as well. We've got a lot of space here for the kids to play in.

"We can't afford those more expensive toys as a church, but with this funding we'd be able to and could offer a better service for families."

Some of the parents that come in may also not be able to have the room or money for these more high-end toys, which is another reason for wanting them.

Last year, the Co-op gave between three and eight thousand pounds per cause to charities.

The Rainbow Tots group was founded six years ago. It is an areligious, community-backing aspect of the church. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"A lot of the items we have are kindly donated by volunteers and users of the church and our groups," said Mandy.

"We have been very grateful for them. But a lot of the toys are breaking or are tired, and we have to keep on top of things due to safety and if it is bust we can't let the kids play with it for safety reasons.

"Families that do come to us, a lot of them have needs themselves and one of the benefits of the group is the boost to mental health, particularly for the mums."

Cavalry Church serves people at all stages of life. Beyond their regular service, its community initiatives include dementia groups and food parcels.

There's plenty of carparking at the church. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

There's also an older persons meal, which - like Rainbow Tots - provides social benefits, to another generation.

"For Co-op Members that pick us on the app, thank you for choosing us", said Gary.

"You're more than welcome to come down and see where the money goes.

"To host this in our Church and be part of someone's journey means something to me. I've seen kids who came here to one of our groups and were from troubled backgrounds, but have gone on to achieve so much.

There's even a neighbourhood cat that lingers around the church, providing nobody is allergic! (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Even at this age, you can see the impact it has. My first great memory as a child was from a toddler group, so it is nice to do the same for the next generation in Macclesfield."

Call 01625 615115 for more information, or just turn-up at one of their groups.

Also feel free to get in touch if you'd like to volunteer there.

Browse Cavalry Church's website for a full events calendar.

Co-op membership costs just £1, and you can earn money off your shop, as well as choosing to give money back to local causes. You can even choose which cause you support, be it from Prestbury, Bollington, Macclesfield or beyond! (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Co-op membership helps support your local community, with great rewards for you too.

When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and the Co-op gives the same to local communities.

If you want the money you raise from your shopping to go to Cavalry Church Rainbow Tots, make sure you choose them on the app.

Macclesfield: Join the Co-op today online at this webpage or in-store. Find out more about the Local Community Fund.

See Also: Twelve Macclesfield causes the Co-op will raise money for in 2023

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