The Community Gateway Association (CGA) has launched a new Uniform Bank in Preston to support parents in the city and surrounding areas who need help clothing their children for their return to school in September.
Throughout June and July, CGA asked people to donate unwanted primary and secondary uniforms for any schools across Preston, so they could give them to families who may need extra support.
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With many family’s sources of income having been affected by the pandemic, and the average cost of purchasing uniforms and equipment for a child each year around £192, the Uniform Bank hopes to provide some welcome relief.
The Community Engagement team received and sorted over 1,200 items including, shoes, coats and bags. They are now asking any families who would appreciate getting support with uniform to register their interest.
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Thanks to the Lancashire COVID-19 Community Support Fund and National
Emergencies Trust, CGA have also been able to add a few more items to the offering.
They are guaranteeing that every child will receive two new shirts or polo tops and new socks.
Primary school children will also receive a lunch box and water bottle and high school children will receive a fully equipped stationery pack and toiletries.
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Tasha Cowperthwaite, Community Engagement & Support Officer, has been overseeing the Uniform Bank and said: “We have been blown away by the kindness shown through donations. The CGA Uniform Bank is allowing our communities to support each other, making them stronger communities to live in.
“We want to play our part in supporting our communities and have done that by providing a platform, but they have led the way.
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“In our first week, over 100 families have registered for support and I would encourage all families who have school-aged children to do the same.”
The Uniform Bank is open to all CGA tenants and non-tenants. To make a referral register your details by visiting the CGA website before Tuesday 25th August.
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What do you think of the new Uniform Bank? Tell us more in the comments below.