THE GATE has issued a big thank you to everyone who helped with their school uniform bank, with more than 350 Wee County children benefitting from the scheme.

Families who utilised the Alloa-based charity group's service were able to receive donations of new and used school clothing, footwear, bags, PE equipment and new packs of underwear and stationery as well.

The uniform bank was open during July and August, initially providing support to those who were referred to it, before then opening up to the wider community.

Speaking about the impact it had, The Gate’s centre manager Marie Brownhill told the Advertiser: “We provided [donations to] 318 children last year, and every single item was donated.

“This year we provided donations to 357 children, and that was with 194 parents visiting the open week and we received 163 referrals too.”

Keen to praise all those involved in delivering the scheme, Marie added: “I’d like to thank all the community: our Gate volunteers, staff from Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Ochil View Housing Association, the Yorkshire Building Society and Asda.

“They were a great help, they helped us sort through donations, with our open week and with referrals.”

Tesco customers, members of St John’s Church and the SNP office were also thanked for their support.

Marie claimed that parents who came to The Gate were “overwhelmed” by the generosity and support they received.

She said: “We couldn’t have operated that project without all of those agencies and the community.”