Key Points
- Campaign Launch: Local charity Lend a Hand Help in the Community has launched its annual donation drive to support families facing back-to-school financial pressure.
- Event Details: The Free School Uniform Giveaway Days will take place on August 17 and August 18 at the Brazley Community Centre in Horwich.
- Items Requested: The organisation is seeking new and pre-loved school uniforms, shoes, sports kits, and stationery items.
- Donation Locations: Pink drop-off boxes are placed across Horwich, Westhoughton, and Blackrod, including Bolton Arena, Horwich Leisure Centre, The Hub in Westhoughton, Peter House Surgery, and Blackrod Health Centre.
- Community Reach: Operating in its fifth year, the initiative serves households across Horwich, Blackrod, Westhoughton, Bolton, and surrounding areas.
- International Impact: Leftover uniforms from the 2025 event were donated to children in Ukraine, earning volunteers a thank-you card from recipients.
- Background & Recognition: Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity has previously been nominated for the King's Award for Voluntary Service, with founder Denise Silcock invited to Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street.
Bolton (Bolton Today) August 12, 2026 - Lend a Hand Help in the Community, an award-winning Bolton charity, has officially launched its collection drive for its annual Free School Uniform Giveaway Days to assist families across the borough struggling with the rising cost of living. As detailed in news coverage, the donation initiative culminates in a two-day distribution event scheduled for August 17 and August 18 at the Brazley Community Centre in Horwich. The charity is inviting local residents, businesses, and organisations to donate new and gently used school uniforms, footwear, physical education kits, and essential classroom supplies to relieve the financial strain on parents ahead of the new academic year.
What is the Purpose of the School Uniform Giveaway?
As reported by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, the collection campaign aims to ensure that children across Horwich, Blackrod, Westhoughton, Bolton, and adjacent communities return to the classroom with complete uniforms and required educational tools. The event addresses the cumulative financial pressures households encounter during the six-week summer break, where childcare and entertainment expenses coincide with the substantial cost of purchasing new school apparel.
In an official statement documented by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, founder Denise Silcock stated that:
"The summer holidays can be a difficult time for many families. Not only are parents trying to keep children entertained for six weeks, but they are also worrying about how they will afford all the things needed for the new school year."
Expanding on the psychological impact on pupils, Denise Silcock further remarked to The Bolton News:
"A new uniform or a new pencil case might seem like a little thing, but to a child starting a new class or a new school it can make a massive difference. We always say it's the little things that make a huge difference."
Which Items Are Being Collected and Where Can They Be Dropped Off?
As detailed by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, the charity is accepting donations suitable for both primary and secondary school pupils. Requested uniform items include:
- Blazers, shirts, and ties
- Trousers, skirts, and dresses
- Jumpers and cardigans
- School-appropriate shoes and athletic trainers
Additionally, the drive accepts essential stationery and school accessories, including pens, pencils, rulers, calculators, geometry sets, rucksacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles.
To facilitate collections, large pink donation boxes have been situated at key community hubs across Horwich, Westhoughton, and Blackrod. As listed by The Bolton News, drop-off locations include:
- Bolton Arena
- Horwich Leisure Centre
- The Hub in Westhoughton
- Peter House Surgery
- Blackrod Health Centre
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How Has the Initiative Supported Local and International Communities?
Now in its fifth consecutive year, the school uniform project has assisted hundreds of local families. As reported by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, the project's impact extended beyond the United Kingdom following the 2025 event, when surplus uniform items were dispatched to aid children displaced or affected by the war in Ukraine.
Reflecting on the global outreach, founder Denise Silcock stated in The Bolton News:
"It was wonderful to know that items donated by our community were able to help children overseas too. Receiving a surprise thank-you card afterwards was incredibly touching and reminded us just how far a simple act of kindness can go."
What is the Background of Lend a Hand Help in the Community?
As chronicled by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, Denise Silcock established Lend a Hand Help in the Community in 2020 during the initial national COVID-19 lockdown. The initiative was formed out of personal experience and a desire to support vulnerable individuals forced to isolate.
As reported by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, Denise Silcock explained the personal motivations behind launching the charity, stating:
"I started Lend a Hand because I understood how frightening and isolating it could be. My husband has a serious lung condition, and I wanted to help others who were facing similar challenges."
Since its inception, the organisation has expanded its operational scope beyond emergency assistance. Its broader community services now include:
- Home shopping deliveries and prescription drop-offs
- Befriending services and emergency food parcels
- Seasonal Easter and Christmas gift distribution drives
- Annual Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraising events
- A weekly Warm Space coffee morning hosted at The Bridge Hotel in Horwich
How Has the Charity Been Recognised for Its Work?
As highlighted in the reporting by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, Lend a Hand Help in the Community has garnered formal recognition for its voluntary contributions across Greater Manchester. The organisation was nominated for the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK. Furthermore, Denise Silcock received an invitation to Buckingham Palace and attended an International Women's Day reception at 10 Downing Street in honour of her civic service.
Acknowledging the public's role in sustaining these initiatives, Denise Silcock stated to The Bolton News:
"We couldn't do any of this without the kindness of local people, schools, businesses, and organisations. Every year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community, and we're hoping this year's giveaway will be bigger and better than ever."
How Can Residents Donate or Request Support?
As reported by Maddie Avery of The Bolton News, community members seeking to donate items, volunteer, or request support for the upcoming giveaway days can contact Lend a Hand Help in the Community directly by telephoning 07939 500591.