Free school uniform bank to help Boston families ahead of new school year

Boston families will be able to access free school uniforms this summer thanks to a community partnership between Boston’s Asda store and Boston Youth Hub, helping to ease the financial pressures many households face ahead of the new school year. 

Throughout the year, shoppers at Asda's Lister Way store have been donating good-quality pre-loved school uniform items at a dedicated collection point. The donations have been passed on to Boston Youth Hub, where they have been made available free of charge to local families who need a helping hand. 

Following the success of the initiative and the generosity shown by local residents, Asda Boston and Boston Youth Hub have joined forces to host a larger community school uniform bank event, offering an even wider selection of clothing for children of all ages. 

The school uniform bank will take place at Boston Youth Hub's Pescod Hall premises on Friday 14 August, from 10am until 6pm. Members of the public are invited to attend and take any uniform items they need, completely free of charge, with no cost attached. 

A wide range of quality pre-loved clothing will be available, including school shirts, polo shirts, jumpers, cardigans, trousers, shorts, skirts, pinafores, summer dresses, blazers and PE kits. All items have been donated by members of the local community, giving them a second life while supporting families across Boston. 

With the cost of living continuing to impact many households, the initiative aims to ensure more children have access to the clothing they need to start the new school year with confidence, while also reducing waste by encouraging the reuse of school uniform. 

Stephen Bromby, community champion at Asda Boston, said: "We know that the cost of preparing children for a new school year can place significant pressure on family budgets. For many households, access to good-quality pre-loved school uniform can make a real difference and help reduce some of the financial stress that comes with the back-to-school period. 

"While we’re incredibly proud of our own George at Asda school uniform range, we know that uniform poverty is a genuine issue affecting families in our community, and initiatives like this help ensure children have access to clothing that fits properly and allows them to feel confident at school. We are incredibly grateful to our customers for their continued generosity in donating uniform throughout the year, and we're proud to work alongside Boston Youth Hub to support local families in this practical and meaningful way." 

The organisers are also encouraging residents to continue donating school uniform they no longer need. Clean, good-quality items can be dropped off at the dedicated collection point behind the checkouts at Asda's Lister Way store, where they will be redistributed through the uniform bank to families across the local area. 

As well as helping families manage household costs, the scheme promotes sustainability by extending the life of school clothing and preventing usable items from ending up in landfill. 

Hanna Vasey, Youth Hub Leader added: “At Boston Youth Hub, everything we do is built around our belief in create, play, belong - and this partnership with Asda brings that to life in such a practical way. No family should have to worry about whether their child feels confident walking into school in September. This uniform bank is about community, belonging, and inclusion in action - neighbours helping neighbours, making sure every child has what they need to start the year feeling like they belong. We're so grateful to Asda and to everyone who's donated throughout the year, and we can't wait to welcome families through our doors on 14 August.” 

The school uniform bank reflects the strength of community spirit in Boston, with local residents and community-focused organisations working together to ensure children have everything they need for the start of the new academic year. Organisers hope the event will encourage anyone who could benefit to come along, while also inspiring more people to donate unwanted uniform and support families within their own community.