Pride of NZ: Michelle Toko

Michelle Toko's garage is filled with donations she will pass on to teen mums in need - she has been nominated for the Pride of New Zealand Community Spirit Award. Photo / John Stone

When Michelle Toko started collecting items for babies and gifting them to teen mums she had no idea there would soon be more than 300 Northland mums receiving her help.

It's for this kindness she has been nominated for the Pride of New Zealand Community Spirit Award.

When Ms Toko, 36, became pregnant at 17, she felt there was a lack of support for teen mums in the community.

"I was worried I would be rejected and judged. All I knew of was Plunket but I was struggling financially and there was no support."

In December 2013 Ms Toko, from Otangarei in Whangarei, said the need was still there so she took to local Facebook groups to ask if people could donate clothes, bassinets and other things for babies which she would then gift to young mums.

In May last year she started her own group Helping Teen Mums Whangarei and has since filled about 850 banana boxes for needy teen mums and caregivers.

"I was amazed at the amount of donations I was getting from the community. Without them I can't do this."

Ms Toko said she does not have a lot herself but loves being able to help young mums.

"I remember at one stage I didn't have a car and I needed to drop off this pram so I walked all the way from my house to Western Hills Drive."

Ms Toko now has a team of five helpers who use their homes as "drop off points" for donations and help deliver clothes. Her six kids play a huge role and often lend a hand.

Ms Toko spends a minimum of 25 hours a week washing, packing, cleaning and mending donations because she "loves it". She is studying towards a Bachelor of Applied Social Studies so she can extend her services to other parts of New Zealand.

Nominate our community's heroes

Can you help us find and celebrate our greatest ordinary Kiwis?

Together with our fellow NZME news organisations plus the TSB Bank we're now seeking nominations in the annual Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Nominations are open now and can be made until June 14 at the website www.prideofnzawards.co.nz

Regional and national awards will be made in the following categories: Bravery and Heroism, Community Spirit, Fundraiser of the Year, Emergency Services, Environment, Lifetime Achievement.

If you know someone who works tirelessly in the community to improve the lives of others, nominate them today!