A Hexham children’s charity is asking local families to check their cupboards for unwanted school uniform before the back-to-school rush gets under way. Rosie's Corner, based on Burn Lane, says it is preparing for several busy weeks as families get ready for the new school year.
The charity provides pre-owned baby and children’s clothing, shoes and equipment to families across West Northumberland. It was founded and is managed by local mum Rosie Gilchrist, who has issued a renewed appeal for donations.
Items needed by families
Rosie’s Corner said demand for school uniform has steadied as more schools in the area introduce their own reuse and recycling schemes. However, families have recently visited the charity looking for specific items that were not available.
Those items have included polo shirts, school shoes and school jackets. The organisation is asking for good-quality uniform that children have outgrown, with demand traditionally increasing from the middle to the latter part of August.
“With previous years showing an increase in demand from mid to late August, we would love to make sure we have as much stock available as possible,” said Rosie.
She added: “If you are having a summer clear-out and have good-quality school uniform, polo shirts, school shoes or school jackets sitting in a cupboard that your children have outgrown, we would be incredibly grateful for your donations.”
Rosie said donated items could have a direct impact on another family: “What may no longer be needed in one family could make a huge difference to another.”
Where Hexham residents can donate
Donations, including school uniform, can be left at collection points at Acomb Methodist Church, Hexham Co-op on Leazes Lane or outside Rosie's Corner’s main unit on the Adapt site.
The charity is open from Monday to Wednesday, between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Families looking for uniform are encouraged to visit and check the available stock rather than contacting the charity to ask whether a particular item is in stock.
Rosie said the stock changes every day, meaning the charity cannot guarantee a particular size or item will be available. However, families may find that something suitable has arrived that morning.
“Our stock changes every single day, so while we can't guarantee that we will have a specific size or item, you never know what might have arrived that morning,” she said.
Support from local organisations
Rosie’s Corner thanked the local community for its continuing support and donations. The charity also highlighted a new partnership with Hexham Middle School PTA to provide branded school uniform items.
West Northumberland Food Bank is supporting families with back-to-school vouchers, while the charity prepares for the seasonal increase in demand.
