REDDITCH Labour Party and volunteers are gearing up for their latest School Uniform Bank day.
It’s being organised by Councillor Joe Baker (Greenlands) who set the scheme up seven years ago after seeing the need as families struggled to kit their children out for school, and he says the need has continued to rise.
“The Uniform Bank was set up in response to the Conservative government’s attack on the lower paid and vulnerable in our society,” he said.
“More and more people are struggling and finding hundreds of pounds to fund school uniforms and shoes for your children is an extra strain on any family’s income.
“I know first hand what it is like to be in a family struggling to make ends meet and I am grateful my own mother was able to go to jumble sales and acquire second hand uniforms.”
Over the years the scheme has helped hundreds of families in Redditch.
Coun Bill Hartnett (Church Hill) the Labour Group Leader added: “The School Uniform Bank has provided a safety net for a large number of families here in Redditch and we are seeing an increase in use each year as more and more working families struggle to cope financially.
“I encourage everyone in our community to donate their unwanted uniforms but also encourage local schools to get involved by collecting and donating lost property.”
The Uniform Bank will be on Saturday August 17 from 11am to 3pm at the Ecumenical Centre in Evesham Walk.
It is a free service but donations are welcome.
Any schools or members of the public willing to help with donations can call Councillor Baker on 07891 549333. Shoes too are desperately needed.
Donations can also be dropped off at Omega Therapies, Newton House, Hewell Road Redditch or at the Ecumenical Centre.
“I am grateful to Nicki, the manager at the Ecumenical Centre for supporting us and allowing us to use the centre as a venue, as well as the many volunteers and other groups supporting us.”
