The Back to School Uniform Bank was set up in 2015 by Sandra Douglas from East Renfrewshire, who was horrified to learn that her teacher daughter was buying Christmas gifts of school uniform items for some of her pupils. Her daughter explained that many rarely had anything new to wear and would be delighted with this.
Our Bank was the second one to set up. Now there are 20+ in Scotland, one in England, Wales and Ireland. Our aim is to provide new uniforms for children in low-income families to ensure they have the same pride and self-respect as their peers.
We take referrals from schools and health professionals and have so far provided uniforms (from underwear up to jackets, gym kits and schoolbags) all in a new bag, to children throughout Stirlingshire. We never know names, just sizes, but have heard lovely stories about excited kids (and their parents).
The Wee Vine 