Donations Of School Uniforms And Essentials

Description

The Edinburgh School Uniform Bank provides new school uniforms and other essentials to children facing hardship throughout Edinburgh. When a child goes to school in the “wrong” clothes, they are vulnerable to bullying, low self-esteem and poor mental health. The effects can be devastating. Many children are living in poverty, and others need our help because they have had a sudden change of circumstances, like fleeing domestic abuse or moving into kinship care.

Feedback shows what difference a new uniform and accessories can make:

“The families I referred would not have managed to send their children to school without this service”

“Many of the parents have broken down and cried with relief receiving the uniform packs”

“I don't have to borrow a pencil from the teacher's pot any more. These ones still have the wee rubber on them. I've never had my own pencil”

How the service works:

We provide brand-new uniforms and other essentials to help children and young people fit in, look smart, feel confident and do their best at school. Families across the whole of Edinburgh can access our service by referral, and we also have mini uniform banks embedded in around 20 schools. 

Our 'Ask':

Local children and teenagers need new school uniforms and other essentials, such as trainers, school bags, coats, stationery, and sportswear. Businesses could support us to provide these by:

(1)    Asking us what we need most urgently and buying the items for us, or

(2)    Providing funding, and we will do the shopping.

Our service operates year-round, and we consistently require basic uniforms, such as polo shirts. During the winter months, we particularly need coats, tights and other warm clothing, and in summer, we get numerous requests for school bags and other “back to school” essentials.

By funding these essentials, businesses can make an immediate difference in the lives of local children, as well as giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential.