School uniform provision – a call for support
The Methodist Church in Ireland, through its Council on Social Responsibility, has called upon Methodists to support those who are struggling with the Cost of Living Crisis, with particular regard for provision of school uniforms.
This is an immensely difficult time for so many people. There are very many people who were already struggling to make ends meet at the start of this year. However, the persistent rise in the cost of living is presenting even more widespread challenges.
In particular, many parents are worried at the costs involved with school uniforms and other necessities at this time of year. As a church we commend the various initiatives that have been helping support parents in this regard these past weeks and encourage churches to continue to appeal to politicians and community leaders to counter the causes of the rises. We want to particularly ask church members and others to make ourselves aware of how we can respond with compassionate practicality during these weeks and beyond to the needs of families in our local areas.
Here are some ideas
You may have other thoughts about how to respond.
Find out about your local "pre-loved" school uniform shop/school uniform bank.
Let your congregation, friends and family know about it. Donate any good quality spare uniform that you have. Offer to volunteer. If there's no school uniform bank in your area why not start one?
Host a second-hand uniform sale in your local school.
Ask parents to donate their outgrown or unused uniform. Gather and wash the uniform and sell to raise funds for a local charity.
Host a "Bring and swap" evening for parents in your local school or church.
Form a team of parents and/or church friends, provide a meal or dessert and invite people to "bring and swap" outgrown or unused items of uniform, winter coats and school shoes. Gather some uniform in advance so that there is more than enough to go around.
Make up stationery packs to donate to your local school.
Find out first from the school what supplies families will need to provide this year.