From a few boxes on trestle tables to a whole church filled with free items, Pushchair Pitstop has big plans to race into the new year.

36-year-old Melissa Coates, known to her friends as Liss, has seen the organisation grow since starting during the pandemic.

Pushchair Pitstop runs out of St Edmunds Church in Felixstowe.

"It's grown into a huge project since it started just before Covid," said Ms Coates.

Pushchair Pitstop originally offered baby and toddler clothing and kit but has expanded to all sorts of electricals, toys, books and clothes from bump to adult sizes.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Pushchair Pitstop operates from St Edmund's Church in Felixstowe.The Pushchair Pitstop operates from St Edmund's Church in Felixstowe. (Image: The Pushchair Pitstop)

They accept donations from local businesses and people, but have recently found that their reach has grown with visitors from as far as Essex.

Ms Coates added that everything they offer is "free of charge to anyone who needs it".

Particularly in the run-up to Christmas, she experienced a steady increase in demand, with many people using the free items as Christmas presents for their children.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Pushchair Pitstop experienced increased demand in the run-up to Christmas.The Pushchair Pitstop experienced increased demand in the run-up to Christmas. (Image: The Pushchair Pitstop)

Ms Coates wanted to emphasise that they operate on a no-questions-asked basis and, though they operate from a church, there is no religious requirement.

On a personal level, Ms Coates works four other jobs, but feels "incredibly fortunate" to be the leader of Pushchair Pitstop.

"It's the best feeling in the world," she added.

"Seeing how it helps people in the local community is great."

Working in the organisation with her trusty team of volunteers, including Julie Gallini, 32, and Kayleigh Goodwin, 36, Ms Coates says no two days are the same.

She also has plans to expand Pushchair Pitstop this year, to include the possibility of a visiting midwife and a more regular pantry with food offerings.

East Anglian Daily Times: Melissa Coates is hoping to expand their reach this year, offering a regular food pantry to the Felixstowe community.Melissa Coates is hoping to expand their reach this year, offering a regular food pantry to the Felixstowe community. (Image: The Pushchair Pitstop)

For those with any anxieties about accepting their help, Ms Coates says: "Just come in for a cup of tea and a nose around.

"Most of our volunteers are single mums or people who have experienced their own struggles, so there's no need to feel nervous.

"They've probably been in your shoes and know exactly how you feel."