School Uniform Bank opens Dovercourt town centre shop

A SCHOOL uniform bank is opening its new town centre shop next week.  Harwich Hive will officially open its High Street shop on August 4 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  The charity offers school uniform and period products for free.

Sarah Nicholson, Harwich Hive chairman, said: “We are so excited to announce the launch of our new Harwich Hive ‘shop’ at 274 High Street Dovercourt, right next door to the CVST Dovercourt and Harwich Hub.  School uniforms can be expensive, and every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident and ready to learn.  That’s why we’re providing good-quality, pre-loved school uniforms completely free of charge.  We have items for all Harwich schools including school jumpers and cardigans, polo shirts and shirts, trousers, skirts and dresses, PE kits, school shoes, coats, bags and other school essentials.  Everyone is welcome. There are no complicated forms or referrals – just get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.  “Together, we can make a real difference to local families – one uniform at a time.”

Harwich Hive is also looking for donations of clean, good-quality school uniform that children have outgrown, and volunteers to help sort the donations.   Sarah added: “Every donation helps another local family and keeps perfectly good clothing out of landfill.”

The new shop comes three years after the baby bank and school uniform bank first launched.
The Baby Bank is open on Fridays at the Salvation Army in George Street, Harwich from 10am to 12noon, and the new shop will be open Mondays 10am to 12noon and on Wednesdays 10am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm. Other times are available by appointment.

Sarah said: “Harwich Hive was started after we saw how many local families were struggling to afford essential items for their children while good-quality baby equipment, clothing and school uniforms were going to waste.  Our aim with the new shop is to create a welcoming, dignified space where families can access school uniform free of charge while encouraging the community to donate and reduce waste.”

For more information call 07703 664284 or email harwichhive@gmail.com.