A free school uniform market that has already saved families £120,000 returns to Cannock to help get children ready for the new school year.
The Preloved Uniform Market is delivered by The Salvation Army Church and Staffordshire Libraries, with support from Tesco and Morrisons.
The market offers free school uniform items for children who live in or attend school in the Cannock Chase area. The next events will take place from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 August at The Salvation Army, 7 Anglesey Street, Hednesford.
A wide range of uniforms will be available, covering schools across Cannock Chase. Families can also browse a large selection of generic school clothing, including plain grey and black trousers and white shirts in a range of sizes.
Since the project began in 2019, over 2,400 children have received items of uniform, saving families an estimated £120,000.
David Cox from The Salvation Army Church said:
"The Pre-Loved Uniform Market project is in its seventh year and so far we have collectively helped families with school uniform for over 2,000 children in the Cannock Chase area.
“It is a great example of the Salvation Army working in close partnership with the local libraries and businesses with the support of some of our amazing volunteers. We hope to be able to help and support local families with their preparations for the coming new school year.”
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"The Pre-Loved Uniform Market is a fantastic example of local organisations working together to support families and make a real difference in our communities.
“As children prepare to return to school, uniforms can be a significant expense for many households, so being able to access good-quality items free of charge is a huge help. I would encourage families to visit the market and see what's available."
Organisers currently have large quantities of items for Kingsmead, Gorsemoor, Cheslyn Hay, Five Ways and Staffordshire University Academy. Items are also available for St Luke's, Longford, St Joseph's, Cannock Chase High School, Pye Green, St Peter's and Littleton Green, alongside uniforms for many other local schools.
The market will be open from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday 18 August and Thursday 20 August, from 10am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday 19 August, and from 10am to 12pm on Friday 21 August.
Donations of school uniform are welcome at Cannock Library, Hednesford Community Library and The Salvation Army, Hednesford.
For more information, email hednesford@salvationarmy.org.uk or cannock.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.
