A GLASGOW school uniform bank has made a plea to keep their service going as the cost-of-living crisis continues to put a strain on them.

Glasgow's Pre-Loved Uniforms, based on Govan Road, is facing increasing demand for uniforms as rising bills and costs have resulted in more and more families struggling to cope.   

The registered charity was originally founded in 2017 as Balornock Uniform Bank by Donna Henderson, who recognised a demand for the service in the area.

It expanded as North Glasgow Uniform Bank, then became an official charity as Glasgow's Pre-Loved Uniforms in 2020.

The team made a plea to the community ahead of the winter months.

Glasgow Times:

In a recent post on their Twitter page, they wrote: "We still need your support.

"All we're asking for is a donation of £1 to help keep our service going and to support the costs of our 'Big winter jacket giveaway' which is more than just jackets."

 

The plea comes just weeks after we exclusively reported that the city's uniform banks were facing up to triple the demand at the beginning of the new school year.

READ MORE: 'People really are struggling': Glasgow school uniform banks face TRIPLE demand

Ms Henderson told the Glasgow Times: "People are saying to us that they’re just struggling with their bills going up, and any wee bit of uniform they can get help with just means that they’re able to pay other bills."

The cost-of-living crisis has meant that families who previously never required the bank's assistance are now in need of their service, leading to very high demand. 

Ms Henderson added: “There are people being refused clothing grants even though their circumstances haven't changed from last year.

“A lot of people think families automatically get a clothing grant, but you might be just a couple pounds over the threshold and so, you’ve got the same bills to pay as maybe your next-door neighbour but they’re getting £150 per child so they are better off than you."

Glasgow Times:

While also encouraging people to use less waste by recycling clothes, the volunteers' main aim is to help families in Glasgow who are financially disadvantaged by providing them with clean, warm and comfortable second-hand uniforms. 

Ms Henderson said: “All we care about is that kids are wearing actual school uniforms so that everybody looks the same.

“It’s important for kids to fit in and be able to learn and that way they do.”

To make a donation to Glasgow's Pre-Loved Uniforms, click here.