Cost-of-living: Derbyshire mums set up clothes bank
Elizabeth Taylor and Michelle Fradgley from Ilkeston were inspired to open up their own charity after using food banks
Last updated 25th Jul 2023
Two Derbyshire mums have set up their own clothes bank in Ilkeston.
Elizabeth Taylor and Michelle Fradgley want to help others through the cost-of-living with 'Clothing Community Spirit'.
The pair set up the Facebook page earlier this month, where people can donate unwanted clothes for those who ask for help anonymously.
They were inspired to start the charity after they both found themselves using foodbanks. Elizabeth said: "I just sat there, and went, do you know what, we don't have clothes banks, nobody thinks about clothes... Let's see if we can set up a clothing bank. It was just an idea that came, and it's been blown out of proportion."
Elizabeth said: "The community has all come together. We could not ask for any more support if we tried. People are giving us a donation of three to four bags a week."
Michelle added: "If you saw the amount of clothes that we've got donated... It's amazing."
The charity has already collected 30 donations, and have given out 15 to people who have come forward for help.
As well as clothing, Elizabeth said they are helping with other items: "We've got a girl that has just come out of care. We are helping her not just with clothing, we're helping her with every aspect we can help her with because she literally has nothing."
School uniforms are also being requested: "Parents cannot afford in this day and age to buy new stuff. I worked as a TA and I've seen children in clothes that don't fit them, that are ruined, that are damaged."