A Kirklees charity that provides free second-hand school uniforms has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
Uniform Exchange, which operates throughout north Kirklees and Huddersfield, is one of just 281 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
The news is being shared on the birthday of King Charles, who is 76 today (Thursday, November 14).
Uniform Exchange helps families struggling to afford school uniforms, especially in the most deprived areas across Kirklees.
The charity encourages people to donate school uniforms at collection points, with the uniforms then collected, cleaned, mended if necessary, and redistributed to families in need.
The charity is on course to help around 10,000 children this year, providing them with 100,000 items of school uniform.
All the uniforms are reused or recycled, preventing around 50 tonnes of school uniform from going into landfill each year.
Volunteers also run the charity’s fundraising shop on its Burbeary Road site, which is simply called The Charity Shop.
Danni Jones, who manages the shop, said: "I love volunteering and helping people and this is a real community charity which is why people love it.
"We have such a loyal customer base in the shop as we keep prices incredibly low.
"We also keep some free school uniform in the shop and one lady burst into tears when we gave some to her - she was so overwhelmed by the charity’s generosity."
The charity has a team of more than 30 volunteers, boosted by contributions from 14 local companies.
Founder and project director Kate France said: "I see the hard work all our volunteers do day in and day out to help thousands of families struggling financially across Kirklees.
"They do it with a smile, a determination, and a passion to ensure that every child receives what they need to fully integrate into school, which is such a critical foundation in their lives.
"This award is for our volunteers, a testament to all the countless hours they put in to help others, and a fantastic recognition that their work is truly appreciated."
Uniform Exchange will formally receive the crystal award and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE, at a later date.
Two Uniform Exchange volunteers will also be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer.
For more information on Uniform Exchange or to order free school uniform, please visit https://www.uniform-exchange.org/
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