THE TOWN’S second uniform swap shop which kitted out the children of Redditch families has been hailed a resounding success.
The brainchild of Councillor Joe Baker (Lab, Greenlands), the event – which ran on Saturday (December 19) at Annaliz Vintage – brought the community together in a heart- warming operation to ensure that the children of needy families were ready for the new school term.
“It went really really well,” Coun Baker said. “We helped quite a lot of families who said they are really feeling the pinch this Christmas.
“Some said they are struggling financially and those who have children with special needs are having to deal with cuts to services and can’t afford to buy uniforms.”
One woman was able to kit out five children with uniforms from the clothes bank which is scheduled to run again during Easter next year.
Coun Baker added: “I believe that every child should not feel different when at school just because of how they look and dress – in this current economic climate many families were struggling with day to day basics, so helping to provide uniforms for children would help lift that burden.”
The kind-hearted councillor will also run a Christmas Eve Supper on December 24 at The Space in Winyates Centre for residents who may be alone or struggling this Christmas.
Anyone is welcome from 5pm where a shepherds pie dinner will be served.
