A CHARITY which helps parents across East Renfrewshire cope with the costs of sending their children to school has been handed a welcome windfall.

Leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey West Scotland has donated £250 to Back to SchoolBank East Renfrewshire.

The charity aims to ensure that every child in need in the local area has access to a new school uniform.

It also accepts donations of other items that pupils need, including gym kit and pencil cases. In addition, children are given coats, scarves and hats to keep them warm on their way to and from lessons during the colder months.

Sandra Douglas decided to set up the charity after supporting a Barrhead church’s appeal for Christmas gifts back in 2014.

Cash-strapped families had been asked to submit a list of presents they were unable to afford for their children.

However, Sandra was shocked to find that parents were asking for school clothes, instead of toys or computer games.

She said: “Each year, we distribute new school uniform and other school items to hundreds of families across the local area.

“The need for our services is growing fast and this donation from Taylor Wimpey provides us with a welcome boost.”

Audrey Ross, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, added: “We have been part of various communities across East Renfrewshire for many years now and we welcome this opportunity to support such an important local charity.

“Being able to work with local charities and organisations where we build new homes means a great deal to us and it’s always lovely to know that we are helping to make a difference to the lives of people in our communities.”

For more about the charity or to find out how to donate, search for Back to SchoolBank East Renfrewshire on Facebook.