THE ORGANISERS of the Rubery Schools Community Swop Shop say they have been rushed off their feet as parents clamber for uniforms for their children for the new academic year.
Kristina Murphy told the Standard there had already been more than 450 requests for items since the start of the summer – more than the whole first term last year.
“In the last week we have had another 100 orders – and it is not just our usual areas.”
As well as south west Birmingham and Bromsgrove, Kristina has received pleas from north Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and West Bromwich.
The Swop Shop has a variety of items from an array of schools across Rubery, Bromsgrove and South Birmingham, including badged jumpers and cardigans.
She added: “I think people were unsure about whether the children would be going back in September and that has led to a lot of last minute panic.”
The Swop Shop has also had a lot of donations.
“Many parents bought uniforms before the lockdown which their children have never worn.
“We have had a lot of items with the tags still on them.
“It’s been absolute crazy – we have experienced busyness at a whole new level.”
The Swop Shop finally found a premises in July on Rubery’s New Road and since then Kristina and her team of volunteers have been working flat out to get everything organised for the school return.
Following an appeal in the Standard charity Baron Davenport came forward with shelving units to help with the organisation.
“We can’t thank them enough – it’s provided us with much-needed storage,” added Kristina.
The final thing needed by the project is a carpet.
Anyone who can help, parents in need of uniform or those who can donate items should email Kristina at [email protected] or visit the Rubery Schools Community Swop Shop Facebook page.
