Free school uniform scheme receives hundreds of requests

The scheme, which has been organised on an annual basis since 2018, announced earlier this week that the pop-up shop in Northside Shopping Centre would be open again shortly for those in need.

The organiser of the scheme, who prefers not to be named, has said she had received 350 messages from people who are in dire need of assistance of school uniforms and First Communion outfits.

“In the last number of weeks we have received a large amount of messages of families really struggling with needing uniforms and P.E kits.

“With so many families being out of work for a long time due to Covid, many are just not in a position to afford what is needed to get their children ready for school.”

She added that with many of the first communions scheduled for September, it is putting ‘extra pressure’ on many families.

The organiser said that 200 people had requested assistance with school uniforms and over 130 people needing help with first communion.

Many people have already offered to donate items of clothing, and the organiser said she hopes to be in a position to list items that are particularly needed by local families in the coming days and weeks.

She has encouraged people to donate any uniform items no longer needed and in good condition, including blazers, shoes, school bags, shirts, skirts and trousers.

“At the minute we are in particular need of nursery school items, uniforms for some of the smaller schools and boys First Communion outfits.”

She has asked for all items to be washed before they are donated.

The organiser said she has received many generous donations from local businesses prior to lockdown and also received a donation of First Communion dresses from Ferguson Fashions when it closed down.

“We are also in need of more volunteers to help out in the shop and with co-ordinating it all. It can be very stressful, and I honestly thought about not doing it this year.

“There are so many people in need and they are always so grateful of the help. That is what made me change my mind, the look of relief on someone’s face when you help them out with something as little as a school jumper,” she said.

To find out more information, details of how to donate or to get in touch with the organisers visit https://www.facebook.com/freeuniformscheme/