Empowering and supporting the community with clothes, shoes and other essential items

The Clothing Bank was set up in 2020 by founders Sally and Susan, and it has become an essential lifeline for families across the Selby area and beyond. Initially established to address the growing need for clothing among vulnerable families, the charity now operates 109 drop-off points throughout Yorkshire, ensuring that pre-loved clothing is collected, sorted, and distributed to those in need.

Supporting those in need

Over the last four years, The Clothing Bank has become an essential community organisation that provides essential clothing to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Whether it’s families fleeing difficult situations, individuals made redundant, or those simply struggling to afford clothing after covering basic living expenses, The Clothing Bank is there to help.

The charity’s goal is to provide seven days’ worth of clothing, including new underwear, to anyone who needs it. With just two full-time staff, six volunteers, and a dedicated committee of four, The Clothing Bank provides essential clothing to those who need help.

Referrals come from various sources, including social services, schools, hospitals, and food banks. Self-referrals are also welcome, with individuals able to request help through private messages, phone calls, or emails. The charity ensures that everyone can access its services and is treated with kindness, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Community involvement

Community support is vital to the running of The Clothing Bank. With over one hundred drop-off points across Yorkshire, donations of pre-loved clothing come in regularly. The charity carefully sorts through these items, ensuring that only quality clothing is distributed. Items that can’t be distributed is passed on to other organisations, and unusable items are recycled, with all of the proceeds going toward operational costs.

The charity has a strong following on Facebook with a community of over 100,000 followers. This platform is used not only for fundraising and clothing appeals but also as a space where the community can come together to support each other and share in the pride of helping those in need.

Making a difference

The Clothing Bank believes everyone deserves the right to have good quality clothing which enables people to:

  • Be accepted
  • Build Confidence
  • Move forward with their lives
  • Secure paid employment
  • Improve their quality of life and achieve their potential
  • Children are accepted and can assist with preventing bullying

The Clothing Bank has made a significant impact on the lives of those it supports. In 2023 alone, over 4,500 clothing packs have been distributed, quickly approaching last year’s total of 7,657. The charity has provided clothing for job seekers, students, and elderly individuals in care homes, helping them feel confident and supported.

A recent £10,000 grant has enabled The Clothing Bank to expand its operations further. The charity has used the funds to purchase an industrial washing machine and dryer, set up a dedicated laundry area, and invest in durable storage boxes for more efficient sorting. Additionally, the grant has covered 25% of their running costs for six months and allowed them to purchase essential items that are not often donated, such as leggings, joggers, coats, backpacks, and stationery for students.

Impacting lives

The Clothing Bank has a huge impact on the lives of those they support. Individuals who needed clothing for job interviews have secured employment and received work clothing to help them feel confident in their new roles. Students lacking casual clothing and underwear have been able to participate in school activities and build friendships, boosting their self-esteem. The charity has also provided clothing support to elderly individuals in care homes, ensuring they have more than just the clothes that they came with.

“I have just received our parcel. I can’t believe how quickly you have managed to help me and my children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am in such a bad place mentally, and this has been a massive help.”

“Thank you so much for your generosity and support. Your assistance has brought smiles to my kids’ faces and allowed me to manage my daily responsibilities more effectively with the shoes that you provided. This help has been invaluable.”

“I have just received the parcel of clothes, and I cannot thank you enough. I cried so much when opening it and I am so grateful for your help. It is a huge sigh of relief to know that my kids are going to be okay through the winter months.”

Sally Parkinson, co-founder of The Clothing Bank shared with us:

“This grant from Two Ridings and others that we receive is vital. The support from the Heart of Yorkshire Fund has allowed us to significantly enhance our operations, from setting up a laundry area to ensuring we can provide more than just the basics. Working with the Fund has been a great experience—they truly understand the needs of our community and have been incredibly supportive in helping us achieve our goals.”

 

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