By Jennie Buzaglo

A MUM-OF-FIVE has launched a community campaign to help parents on low incomes across Weymouth and Portland.

Donna Pace has set up a school uniform bank for parents who are struggling to pay for their children’s uniforms.

The uniform bank allows parents to donate their spare uniforms and unwanted items to help other parents and children who need financial support within the community.

A drop-in event is being held where families can pick up uniforms for free.

Miss Pace is the mother of two young children and three teenage boys and explained that she is no stranger to parenting and the financial impact this can have on parents.

The campaign idea came after she was continually buying her children new school uniforms and PE kits after they started growing out of them.

Miss Pace said: "I thought to myself why not create a school uniform bank and set up a community in order to support others? My mission for this new local initiative is to help children and empower parents."

She has already received support from three schools in Weymouth – Wyke Regis Federation, St John’s Primary and St Andrew’s Primary.

Miss Pace said she has been overwhelmed by the response to her campaign: "I received over 20 emails on one day and lots of messages on my Facebook page. More than 120 people across Dorset have responded to my campaign, and it’s truly awesome."

St Paul’s Church on Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth is allowing Miss Pace to use the hall for her ‘Ready For School’ day initiative. This is a drop-in event where parents can pick up school uniforms and shoes for free. This will take place on Saturday, November 2 between 11am and 12pm. If any businesses have spare or unwanted clothes rails, Miss Pace asks if they could be dropped off at the church hall at 10.30am on the day.

Regarding the campaign, Miss Pace added: "This is all testament to the spirit of human kindness and empathy, and in the current social climate, with fears surrounding Brexit, it’s reassuring to know that out of chaos, beautiful things can be created. All it takes is one simple idea."

If you would like to donate to the campaign, get in touch by emailing dpace547@gmail.com