MORE than 120 families have been relieved of the stress of having to pay-out for school uniform thanks to the generosity of the community.
Young pupils in Harwich have been fully kitted out ahead of the new school year following the launch of an initiative designed to help parents in need.
Spearheaded by charity stalwart Les Nicoll, of the North Essex Support Team, the scheme encouraged residents to donate unwanted items of school uniform.
The Essex Free School Uniforms group also played a part, as well as Harwich Hive’s Sarah Nicholson, who helped with clothing for children attending nursery school.
Each piece of clothing, which can prove costly if purchased new, was then washed and ironed before being given away during an event at Dovercourt Fire Station.
Everything from cardigans, trousers and skirts to dresses, shoes and shirts, for a variety of age groups, were all on offer for families completely free of charge.
In total, the project helped more than 120 families acquire school uniforms for their children, helping alleviate – if only slightly – the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.
Mr Nicoll said: “Despite changes in laws buying school uniform is still a stressful and often an impossible problem for families right across our community.
“With your help we were able to help over 120 families get clean, pre-loved and new school uniform for their children.
“There was no stress, no worrying about money, just a community supporting each other.”
Mr Nicoll has now praised everyone for their involvement in the making the scheme a success.
“Can I please say a massive thank you to all who donated, who washed and ironed so many donations, and to my fabulous, ever-smiling volunteers on the day,” he added.
“Thank you to the officers and crew of Dovercourt Fire station, to Sarah from Harwich Hive, and the Essex Free School Uniforms for filling in where we could not help.
“Thank you to my collection points and mostly to you, my fantastic Harwich, Dovercourt and surrounding villages, for making this happen.
“Thank you again for making this day a success.”
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