Uniform bank in urgent need of summer uniform donations

Uniform bank in urgent need of summer school clothes as warmer weather arrives

The Salvation Army in Oldham Fitton Hill is appealing for summer school clothes to stock the shelves of its uniform bank as the warmer weather arrives and families continue to struggle with the cost-of-living.

The church and charity’s community centre, located at The Brew in Fitton Hill, Fir Tree Lane, typically holds its Uniform Hub during the school summer break as families prepare for the new school year but due to a soar in demand, is opening its doors early and stacking its shelves with summer uniform and is calling for the local community to support in donating any pre-loved summer clothes in good condition.

Items required include yellow, light blue and white polo shirts, grey shorts and summer dresses, in any sizes.

Kim Rogers, community engagement co-ordinator at The Salvation Army in Oldham Fitton Hill said: “The ongoing cost of living crisis means that many families struggle all year round with many living day to day, wage packet to wage packet, meaning that stocking up on items just isn’t possible and instead money goes on the essentials and basic needs, buying only what is required at the time and we have found that this is also the case for school uniforms, which are essential, but many families are budgeting to keep roofs over their children’s heads and food in their tummies so school uniforms sadly don’t come into the budget.”

The uniform hub is a sustainable alternative to throwing away clothing, while also encouraging the recycling of old uniforms. School trousers, shirts and skirts are also welcome as well as branded uniform for the three main schools in the area: St Martin’s, Holy Rosary and Medlock Valley schools.

Kim continued: “Our Uniform Hub provides good quality pre-loved school uniforms to people in need and with the warmer weather approaching, we are in urgent need of supplies to stock our shelves and take the financial pressures off many people living within our community.”

The hub operates on a referral basis which can be obtained from social services, health visitors and schools. Self-referral is also permitted by calling 0161 6286808.

Uniform items can be dropped off to The Salvation Army in Fitton Hill and key colours for the local schools include:

• Red, royal blue and green jumpers
• Grey school pants and/or skirts
• Yellow, light blue and white polo shirts

For people looking to support but have no school uniform to contribute, financial donations of any size are also welcome, but people are encouraged to only give what they can afford. Donations can be made via The Salvation Army Oldham Fitton Hill’s Just Giving page; www.justgiving.com/page/oldham-fitton-hill-the-salvation-army-uniformhub. 

Kim added: “We wouldn’t be able to run the Uniform Hub or support our local community without the generous and kind donations, and this is a key example of others helping others which is what the Christian message inspires us to do.”

The Uniform Hub is run by The Salvation Army and staffed by volunteers.