A back to school uniform and supplies appeal is to take place next month.

Three Government departments — the Department of Financial Assistance, the Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Child and Family Services — have teamed up with the Coalition for the Protection of Children for the event.

The appeal is looking for lightly-used or new uniforms as well as shoes, sneakers and socks for children of all ages.

Pandora Glasford, Director of Financial Assistance, said the department was pleased to be a partner in the drive.

Ms Glasford added: “We appreciate the support from businesses and individuals — thank you for making a difference in your community.

She told supporters: “By providing school supplies, you are supporting students, teachers and our public schools and instilling confidence in our children by removing a portion of the stress they often carry through not knowing how they will survive the school year without being sufficiently equipped.”

She said the department did its best to provide “the tools and resources required to strengthen families as they endeavour to move towards financial self-sufficiency”.

Ms Glasford added: “These are wonderful families doing the best that they can do.

“This school uniform and supply drive is a nice complement to our teams’ efforts.”

Kelly Hunt, Executive Director of the Coalition, said: “With many of our families struggling financially, back to school can be a very stressful time in terms of providing all the necessary uniform and material requirements for our students.

“We are thrilled to be working with the agencies involved to provide a more efficient, wraparound service for our clients.

“Through collaborations such as this, we can better assist those who need our support. We are truly grateful for the community’s help with this effort.”

Donations can be dropped of at the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall on Hamilton’s King Street between 10am and 6pm from August 13 to August 17.

Families in need will be able to pick up donated items at the church from August 20 to August 24.

For more information, contact Rachel Dill at the Coalition for the Protection of Children at rdill@coalition.bm.