Moray School Bank's winter appeal in full flow with demand up by 50 per cent
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WITH demand higher than ever, Moray School Bank is asking for donations for this year's winter appeal.
The charity's development co-ordinator Debbie Kelly, who is heading up the appeal, said demand has risen by 50 per cent on last year – with more than 100 referrals from across Moray since mid-October.
On the other hand, the charity – which was set up in 2017 – has not been able to fundraise and the number of donations received is down due to drop-off points being moved out of local supermarkets.
Ms Kelly said: "This year has been really tricky because we haven't been able to do any fundraising activities or get as many donations in.
"Drop-off points have moved out of stores due to covid, too. But we will probably end up with 50 per cent more kids needing our help this winter because of the current situation.
"70 per cent of families we help are working. We find they are in low-paid employment or on zero-hour contracts. People have found themselves in a situation they didn't see coming due to covid.
"We also help families who have a sick child or a sick parent, or maybe parents who are struggling with mental health issues. It's not just about financial hardship.
"Everyone who is referred to us receives a jacket, waterproof footwear, hats and gloves so kids can be warm and dry for school."
The winter appeal will run until February. Asda in Elgin has a drop-off point in store, but this is only for new clothes. Old clothes must be quarantined before use, due to the coronavirus pandemic, but can be picked up by, or dropped off with, Moray School Bank.
Moray School Bank can be found at Viewfield Farm, Craigellachie, AB38 9QT.
Ms Kelly added: "We are concentrating on winter campaign but very grateful for any school clothes that people want to donate.
"We sometimes have referrals for kids wo have changed schools and moved to the area.
"There is a drop-off bin outside the premises, anybody who wanted to drop off can do so outside if nobody is in.
"We cover from Dyke to Cullen to Tomintoul. It's a big, big area and we have children referred from every single area.
"There isn't a single school that we haven't had a referral from."
Cash donations are also accepted. For more information, get in touch with Moray School Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoraySchoolBank.
