Harrogate charity launches uniform swap for struggling families

A clothing bank in Harrogate has launched a uniform swap appeal to help families who are struggling to buy school clothes for their children.

Formerly known as Baby Basics, The Village aims to alleviate material poverty amongst families with young children and to stop good clothing going to landfill.

Jessica Price is the Centre Manager, she said: "We saw that there was more need for things like clothes, uniform and shoes which are so expensive. So we decided that we wanted to help those in need or vulnerable families in Harrogate and the surrounding areas.

"It all adds up and it ends up costing a lot of money, especially for families in the current situation who've lost their jobs or have been furloughed as a result of coronavirus. It's a lot of expectation on them."

Ms Price added that many families from across Harrogate and the surrounding areas have approached the group with requests.

She said: "Organisations and families get in touch with us asking how they can access it, what they need and if we're able to help. It's great to see that we're already meeting a need, because there is a need out there.

"You can imagine the feeling of guilt and sadness about not being able to provide your child's school uniform so we wanted to be able to do that for people - to take that feeling away from them and to be able to provide good, quality uniforms for them to use.

The group are holding a launch event on Friday 3 September at West Park URC, where families can come and collect clothing and enjoy a slice of cake.

Uniforms have been bundled into separate ages, sizes and genders to keep people safe and prevent any possible spread of Covid-19.

There'll also be a pop up library, with books brought over from Harrogate Library.

The Village collects polo tops, shirts and blouses, trousers, shorts, skirts, summer dresses, jumpers, good quality shoes, sports kid and plimsoles.