Tyneside families are set to reap the benefits from KEY2Life Foodbank’s annual free school uniform exchange once again this summer. The long-established scheme provides families with free school uniforms for their children, whatever their circumstances, and has launched slightly early this year so parents can stock up before the end of the term should they desire.
The annual initiative is not only a way for families to save money but encourages people to do their bit for the environment by recycling and reusing pre-loved uniforms and reducing the amount that ends up in landfills. There’s a wide selection of uniforms available for primary and secondary schools through South Tyneside - both branded and generic items of uniform, including PE kit as well as coats, bags, and shoes – some still brand new with tags.
Jo Benham Brown, Business Development and Communities Manager at KEY Project, said: “Our eagerly anticipated annual school uniform exchange really is a win-win for South Tyneside families, especially with households suffering from the biggest cuts in living standards in forty years, amid escalating food and fuel bills, alongside raising taxes and interest rates.”
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"The uniform is free for all, you don’t have to be on benefits, to take advantage of the exchange, so please call in if this would help. As always, our stock, organised by our wonderful team of volunteers, depends on what we have received, so do check back if you can’t find what you need initially.”
Alison Burden, executive headteacher at Marine Park Primary School said: “Key2Life Food Bank’s uniform exchange for our families has been an excellent way of ensuring all our children have access to a uniform without any additional expense. In our current financial climate, the demand for this service will only increase. It is a fantastic project supporting families in a very practical way that has a positive impact on our children.”
To maximise the foodbank’s limited resources and ensure its uniform service is provided as efficiently and effectively as possible, anyone wishing to take advantage of the scheme must visit in person. Volunteers are unable to deal with individual uniform requests by phone or Facebook.
Parents and carers are invited to call in to browse the selection 11am-3 pm, Monday to Friday, no appointment necessary, and are encouraged to bring their own bag; a foodbank volunteer will be on hand to assist if required. Donations of outgrown uniforms for South Tyneside schools, clean and in good condition, including coats and shoes, can also be dropped off during opening hours.
KEY2Life is located at Boldon Lane Library, Boldon Lane, South Shields, NE34 0LZ and is open 10 am-4 pm, Monday to Friday.
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