THE RUBERY Community Swop Shop which provides school uniform items for struggling families saw a massive increase in demand last year.
The organisation received 1,912 orders during the 12 months, which was almost a three-fold increase on the amount requested in 2020.
The number of items asked for was 14,748 – again three times what was asked for in 2020 – and 97.1 per cent of all requests were met (14,322 items).
The Swop Shop’s reach has also increased – when it started, it primarily provided uniform items for families in Rubery and the B45 area – including Colmers Farm, Waseley Hills High, Colmers, Holywell and Hollyhill.
But in 2022, it had supplied uniforms for 164 different schools – others outside the main area included St Laurence and Albert Bradbeer in Northfield, The Meadows in Longbridge, University School in Selly Oak and St Thomas Aquinas in Kings Norton.
The number of referrals received in 2022 was 153, compared to 34 and the number of children was 327 last year and just 49 in 2020.
Kristina Murphy. who runs the Swop Shop, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated items, the volunteers who are very busily working behind the scenes, the schools, our supporters and the wider community.
“Without all those, we would not be able to help families as successfully as we do.”
Although 2023 is now just two months old, Kristina said she felt the Swop Shop was needed more than ever as parents are increasingly having to spend the cash they have on food, heating and other essentials.
She added: “It has already been a very busy time and this is usually our quieter period so I think we will be in even more demand this year.
“I’d like to appeal to any parents who have uniform items that no longer fit and those who need them to not hesitate in getting in touch.
“Also if schools have lost property items that have been there for a while and probably won’t be collected, we’re more than happy to come and pick them up.”
Such has been the need for the Swop Shop, a secoind base is being opened in Quinton pending funding.
Kristina said: “That would be a massive help – not just for us but also in making it more accessible for those on that side of south Birmingham.”
Anyone who can help with funding or wants to donate or request items can visit ruberyswopshop.co.uk or email [email protected] to get in touch.
Alternatively go to facebook.com/RuberySwopShop for more.
