“IT’S been the busiest yet” – that was the verdict of borough councillor Joe Baker after people flocked to the Redditch school uniform bank event last Saturday.
More than 150 families headed for the Redi Centre where the event, organised by Redditch Labour Party, allowed hard up parents to get their children kitted out for school thanks to donated uniforms, shoes, shirts and socks.
“It’s been a fantastic effort by all the community,” said Coun Baker.
“The majority of the schools got on board this year and have been collecting uniforms and we’ve also had a tremendous amount of help from Natwest Bank as well as help and donations from many of the local stores.”
He said people were queuing to get into the event, held at the Redi Centre, and said it was a reflection of the hardship many families were enduring.
However spirits were high, the Redi Centre served free refreshments to those waiting and despite the event being free, many put a few coins in a donation tin which will go towards paying for next year’s uniform bank day.
Coun Baker also paid tribute to the people who made it possible – the donors: “They have played a massive part and it was noticeable many who had benefited from the bank in the past returned uniforms to help others in the future.
“One lady even sent a parcel from Tamworth with shoes and shirts and a note saying it was a pity they didn’t hold something similar in her home town.”
The Leader of the borough council Coun Bill Hartnett, who spent the day helping said: “This was the fourth school uniform bank held by Redditch Labour Party and it’s a great initiative and I thank Coun Baker for organising it.
“Redditch parents and the co-operation of local schools made the day a great success ensuring good quality school uniforms found good homes.”
