Stratford & East Ham Project

Our Community Wardrobe is open bi-monthly in Stratford. It is also open on a weekly basis for members of our Community Store in East Ham. We have low cost/affordable pre-loved clothing as well as clothing that is vintage, designer, labels and even brand new with tags.

We ask for a donation towards entry of just 50p per adult which entitles you to a free coffee or tea! Light refreshments are available. We have a card machine for any payments over £5. We do politely ask that any packaged clothing is not opened and that children are supervised at all times.

Look out for dates on our social media.

The Community Wardrobe is a project that was voted for by Newham Community Assemblies:

https://newhamco-create.co.uk/en/ideas/community-wardrobe-stratford-and-east-ham-salvation-army-1

Our Baby Wardrobe is a brand new initiative designed to give families choice and dignity when it comes to accessing very affordable clothing. We mainly have clothes for babies from birth to 2 years old but we are working on building our stock of items for children up to 5 years old.

As well as clothes, we also have other baby items, including pushchairs, prams and cribs (subject to availability/donations received).

We also have a nappy bank for families living in poverty. Access is for 3 packs of nappies and wipes over a 6 month period for a small contribution. We accept referrals for nappy bank from professionals who are supporting families. Please email Stratford@salvationarmy.org.uk Please note that we are not able to provide nappies outside of the Baby Wardrobe events.

There is no charge for entry and families can stay and play whilst enjoying fresh coffee and biscuits and cake. We have a card machine for any payments over £5. We do politely ask that any packaged clothing is not opened and that children are supervised at all times.

Our East Ham Project is the home of our Community Corner food store. Our core values include dignity and choice and this is very much at the heart of the food store. This is a cooperative that is run by The Salvation Army Community Store staff and volunteers for people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis. Members of the Community Store can attend weekly for a 6 month period. They can choose up to 30 items of food and some basic hygiene items for a small donation. 

Referrals are through The Newham Food Alliance. 

Our Baby Bank is now closed. At the heart of what we do is dignity and choice and this isn't something that our small team was able to do. We made the hard decision to close our Baby Bank and transition to our Baby Wardrobe. For a small donation, families are able to access good quality pre-loved clothes and other essential baby items (as available).

Nappy Bank can still be accessed for families living in poverty. This is referral only and on three occasions - dates below.

For donations, questions and enquiries please email stratford@salvationarmy.org.uk, or leave a voicemail on 0208-536-1048.

Donations must be clean and in good condition to be donated for the Community and Baby Wardrobes. If you have items that are in need of repair or that have marks on them, please pop them in our clothes bank that is accessible at all times.

Please pop your clean items in a bag and label the bag so that we know what size/gender the bag contains. You can bring it along on a Thursday between 11:00-13:00 to Stratford Salvation Army (term time only - check our social media or email stratford@salvationarmy.org.uk). We do have some evening donation times so please check our social media pages for more information. 

Please do not leave bags of clothing outside our doors or gates as we need access at all times.

We are able to take clothes, bags and shoes and some baby items. We are not able to take second hand toys, furniture or kitchen equipment or used duvets and pillows.

Please note that we have textiles recycling banks outside both Salvation Army centres in Newham.

We are not able to take furniture, bric a brac (ornaments/plates etc) or electrical equipment. 

We are not able to assist with house clearances.

We can not accept second hand toys.

We can take cots that have all the pieces but we can't take pre-used mattresses for cots and cot beds.

We can take good and safe working condition pushchairs with fully functioning straps and brakes. Please do give items a quick clean before donating.

Our weapon surrender bin is situated outside our church in Stratford.

Please ensure that if you are dropping weapons into the bin that you have wrapped them up safely before depositing. It is vital that weapons are wrapped well in cardboard and tape before leaving your home. 

Did you know, it is possible to bring old kitchen knives and scissors and recycle them safely in our surrender bin.