The Baby Bank Network Exeter needed practical help to improve storage in their charity space. The Baby Bank was an early adopter of CommonGood and started to post lots of requests for help on the platform, one of which was for support with assembling shelving and improving how donated items were stored and organised.
The opportunity was quickly claimed by AtkinsRéalis Exeter, who completed the job within just one week of claiming it.
About AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is a global engineering organisation with regional offices across the UK. The company brings together consultants, designers, engineers and project managers to help deliver infrastructure and energy projects, connecting people, data and technology to support better outcomes for communities and the built environment.
In Exeter, the AtkinsRéalis team demonstrated how this practical, problem-solving approach can also support local community needs through volunteering and donations.
The Charity
Baby Bank Network Exeter is a registered charitable in Exeter. The charity supports families by providing essential baby and children’s items, including clothes, bedding, toys, equipment and other donated goods for families with young children facing financial hardship.
With a high volume of items coming in and going out, storage is a constant challenge. The charity needed additional shelving and clear storage boxes to optimise their available space.
The Need
The Baby Bank receives hundreds of donations a week and the current space was not utilised to its full potential. It is crucial that volunteers can access, sort and store these valuable items efficiently.
The job involved:
- Assembling warehouse racking
- Fixing fire extinguishers to the wall
- Creating better storage capacity
- Supplying clear storage boxes
- Helping the charity organise essential donations more effectively
This support combined time volunteered and item donation.
Before:
After:
The CommonGood Connection
The Baby Bank Network Exeter posted the job on CommonGood, where it was claimed by AtkinsRéalis Exeter.
The process was simple and fast. From the job being claimed to completion, the whole project took just one week.
This quick turnaround meant the charity could improve its storage area almost immediately, without delays or complicated coordination.
The Support Provided
One member of the AtkinsRéalis Exeter team, Sam, visited The Baby Bank Network Exeter on a Friday afternoon and completed the shelving work in just a few hours.
Alongside the volunteered time, clear storage boxes were purchased and donated to help the charity make full use of the new shelving. These boxes allow items to be grouped, labelled and accessed more easily.
The Impact
Although the job was completed may seem like a small ask for this large company, the impact was significant.
The new shelving and clear boxes helped The Baby Bank Network Exeter create a more practical and organised storage area. This means the charity can better manage donations, make the most of limited space, and support local families more efficiently.
For a charity handling large volumes of essential items, improved storage directly supports day-to-day operations.
Feedback from AtkinsRéalis
“AtkinsRéalis is committed to creating positive social impact in the communities where we live and work. Through CommonGood, we were able to connect with The Baby Bank Network and support an organisation delivering vital services to local families. The platform made it easy to find opportunities, coordinate our support and measure the impact of our contribution.”
AtkinsRéalis Volunteer Team
Feedback from Baby Bank Network Exeter
“Amazing!!! Sam did a fantastic job. The process was so easy and a super time frame for us. We were so excited to have our jobs claimed so quickly!
CommonGood is going to be incredible for charities and businesses alike. Thank you!”
Kate Smith, Founder, Baby Bank Network Exeter
Key Outcomes
Business: AtkinsRéalis Exeter
Charity: Baby Bank Network Exeter
Platform: CommonGood
Support type: Volunteering, monetary donation and item donation
Time from claim to completion: One week
Time volunteered: A few hours on a Friday afternoon
Items donated: Clear storage boxes
Practical task completed: Shelving assembled, Fire extinguisher wall mounted and storage improves
Results: Manageable storage area with easy to reference items in boxes and over 200 social impact points for AtkinsRéalis presented in their one click social impact report
Why This Matters
This case study shows how a small, practical job can make a meaningful difference to a local charity. With one staff member, a few hours of volunteered time, and donated storage items, AtkinsRéalis Exeter helped Baby Bank Network Exeter improve its space and continue supporting families across Exeter.
It also demonstrates the purpose of CommonGood: making it easier for businesses and charities to connect, act quickly and create real local impact.
