A Donation Station was set up at St John Ogilvie Primary School in Bourtreehill to help families affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
The school's Early Years Practitioner, Anne Sommerville, started the project in response to feedback from parents with just one rail of clothes - and now has five filled with goods as well as food on offer.
Anne said: “Starting the station was in response to finding out that parents have been struggling in recent months due to the cost-of-living crisis. The rising costs of food, clothes and life in general is what sparked the project.
“I thought it would be a great idea to start a Donation Station. It started as one rail and some food, and it very quickly gathered arms and legs. I have parents coming in and using it all the time.
“Through social media, we managed to get some more donations and we set up about four or five rails. We have clothes for children, teenagers and adults as well as shoes, some bags and nappies. It’s really worthwhile and it is getting used frequently.”
Awareness is currently being raised among North Ayrshire Council staff to ensure that everyone knows about their ongoing responsibility to protect the rights of the children.
The council’s top priorities include tackling child poverty and supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis.
Council Leader Marie Burns, chair of the Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board, said: “This project is a fine example of how our schools can have a positive impact on the wider community.
“I am sure people in Bourtreehill will happily head along to the Donation Station to see what is on offer and also to donate items that could help make life a little easier for families in the neighbourhood.”
The school is always looking for donations, which will be greatly appreciated, and will take items including children’s clothes, adult's clothes, shoes, nappies and food.
Anne said: “When we were talking to parents, they said they were struggling with the costs of winter jackets, the different seasons and how quickly children go through clothes.
"If anybody could help us that would be fantastic. The food donation station is always needing to be refilled weekly, so anything we could get would be absolutely amazing.
“We’re really passionate about what we’re doing here, helping the school and helping our local environment.
“Anybody in the area is welcome to come down and have a look at the Donation Station, whether you have links to the school or not.”
The Donation Station is open on Wednesdays, and you can find it at the Early Years Entrance at the school. To donate items, please contact the school to arrange a drop-off time by calling 01294 218823 or emailing stjohnogilvie@ea.n-ayrshire.sch.uk
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