We’re excited to share a brand new platform to support struggling families in need of a school uniform.
It’s called the School Uniform Hub and it’s been designed so that the Central Coast community can donate their child’s preloved school uniform to a local family in need.
This wonderful new initiative has been set up by the team of We Care Connect, a Central Coast and Hunter charity that connects community donations to local kids in need.
“Over 10,000 children live under the poverty line on the Central Coast. A school uniform can cost between $250 to $300, a staggering amount for disadvantaged families. So, We Care Connect created the School Uniform Hub to connect community generosity to a family in need.”
– We Care Connect.
The School Uniform Hub is a little different to their main donation program: rather than dropping your school uniform to a drop-off partner, you list the uniform on the School Uniform Hub. Using the platform’s private messaging service, a school staff member or a family support worker will be in touch on behalf of the family in need. This process mirrors We Care Connect’s other programs, so the family receiving the uniform is anonymous to maintain their privacy and dignity.
It’s a wonderful initiative and we encourage everyone to get involved, so the website is brimming with uniforms for every local school.
You can read more on We Care Connect in our feature here or scroll down to learn more about the School Uniform Hub program.
Please note, this program is currently in pilot phase! During the pilot phase, the program is only available for Central Coast school uniforms.
How does the program work?
It’s a bit like Facebook Marketplace, but without anyone making money from it.
It was designed so that a community member can donate a uniform and know it’s going to another child who really needs it.
So, if you’ve got a great quality uniform that your child has outgrown, you can now list it on the School Uniform Hub! To post a listing on the Hub, you’ll be asked to register then include a photo & description of the item.
What happens after I submit the available items?
As the program’s just launching, there might be a delay between when you post the item and a school or family support worker contacting you.
Important: we strongly urge you to remain anonymous and not to arrange for a recipient family to collect from your address. In most cases you will be asked if you can drop off the items to a school or other centre.
Where can I give feedback?
The platform has been in the works for a long time, so We Care Connect is super excited to share it with you. We know there might be a few kinks in the process or system as it launches, and that’s why it’s being called a pilot! There’s a contact page on the website for you to share any feedback.
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
