A West Lothian charity who provide school uniforms to families in hardship has reported a 35 per cent upsurge in the use of their service.
The School Bank West Lothian said from May to December 2018 they helped clothe 513 children, but in the same period in 2019 the number was 694.
In 2016, the school bank became a registered charity after founder Kristen Shemilt from Livingston heard about the model based on foodbanks and wanted to do something locally. Since then the demand for their service has steadily increased.
They rely on donations from the public and ask for new or good-quality used cardigans, gym kit, hats/gloves, jackets, jumpers, pinafores, polo shirts, school bags and stationery, shirts, skirts - as well as brand new socks, tights, pants and footwear.
Donations can be made at any one of their 16 drop-off points across West Lothian. Details can be found at http://schoolbank-westlothian.org/drop-off-points/
