Demand for Second-Hand School Uniform Store Surges
A recent surge in demand has prompted the council-run pre-loved school uniform shop in Peterborough to seek additional donations. Organisers of the Second Chance Uniform Shop, located at the Roots and Rise community unit in the Queensgate Shopping Centre, have reported a notable uptick in visitors since its opening in November.
Key Facts and Figures
– Visitor Numbers: The shop has welcomed around 1,000 visitors.
– Peak Activity: The weeks leading up to Christmas saw particularly high foot traffic, with 375 visitors in the busiest week of December.
– Ongoing Support: The shop currently assists approximately 100 families each week.
Donation Appeal
To meet the growing need, the public is encouraged to donate a variety of uniform items, both branded and unbranded, as well as new or gently-used clothing.
Emma Baugh from BBC highlights the sentiments of Youth MP Danielle Daboh, who hopes the initiative will help eliminate the stigma associated with the affordability of new uniforms.
What’s Available?
The Second Chance Uniform Shop offers a diverse selection of school clothing, including:
– Shirts
– Trousers
– Skirts
– Ties
– Tights
This project is a collaboration between Peterborough City Council, the Peterborough Youth Council, and the Co-op, following the success of a council-led uniform swap in July that attracted over 100 attendees.
Addressing Cost Concerns
Daboh, who advocated for this project, aims to alleviate financial burdens on families, aligning this initiative with her manifesto focused on reducing the high cost of school essentials.
Currently, there are two donation points at Co-op stores in Yaxley and Orton Goldhay, with plans to expand further collection boxes across local schools.
Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services, aptly describes the shop as much-needed for families throughout the city.
As the demand for second-hand school uniform stores continues to rise, community involvement becomes increasingly vital. Whether through donations or support, together we can ensure that every student has access to essential school attire.
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