The local brewery helping parents handle the cost of living crisis with a heartwarming initiative

During the cost of living crisis and soaring inflation, the historic Joseph Holt brewery, with its 174-year legacy in Manchester, is stepping up once again to lend a helping hand to families struggling to afford school uniforms.

Joseph Holt helping out

Recognising the financial strain on households, the brewery is appealing to its big-hearted customers and local communities to donate gently used school-wear items, ensuring that no child is left without proper attire for the new academic year.

The brewery’s 127 pubs scattered across the North West have transformed into collection points, providing accessible drop-off locations for donated school uniforms.

The Cost of Living Crisis

Paul Longmire, a representative from Joseph Holt, emphasised the significance of this initiative, saying, “Now that school is out for summer, this is also the time when uniform – which may well still be in good condition – may be disposed of, perhaps because children have grown out of it or pupils are changing school.

“We want to collect these good quality items to give a lift to those families who are struggling.”

Easing the Financial Burden on Families

In addition to easing the financial burden on families, Joseph Holt’s uniform recycling drive is also environmentally conscious.

By extending the life of school uniforms through reuse, the initiative reduces landfill waste and minimises greenhouse gas emissions, contributing positively to the fight against climate change.

The Children’s Society

Recent research conducted by The Children’s Society reveals that despite efforts to keep uniform costs down, parents are still facing exorbitant expenses.

On average, parents are spending £422 per year on secondary school uniforms and £287 for primary school uniforms.

With the rising cost of living affecting household budgets, the need for affordable school wear has become more pressing than ever.

Joseph Holt’s School Uniform Appeal

Last year, Joseph Holt’s inaugural school uniform appeal was met with overwhelming support, with thousands of donated items making a significant difference in the lives of struggling families throughout the North West.

This year, the brewery aims to build on that success, harnessing the power of its pub network and engaged communities to make an even greater impact.

To ensure transparency and accessibility, donated items will be organised by size and school, with detailed listings available on each pub’s Facebook page.

Some pubs are also partnering with local schools to directly distribute the uniforms to those in need.

Families seeking assistance can easily contact the individual pub through Facebook to request specific pieces, which will be reserved for collection.

Any surplus items will be donated directly to the schools, ensuring that no donation goes to waste.

Paul Longmire expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from customers and community members, stating, “With family budgets tighter than ever, Joseph Holt is committed to doing everything we can to ensure struggling families get the uniform they need for their children.”

As the brewery’s heartwarming initiative gains momentum, it serves as a shining example of how local businesses can rally together to make a meaningful difference in their communities.