Sponsor a Child – Frequently Asked Questions
You may find answers to some of your questions below
Sponsor a Child – Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our Sponsor A Child campaign, you may find the answer below
What is sponsor a child?
Sponsor a child is an opportunity to support a local child in need by providing us with a school uniform that we then pass on to a child who has been referred to us.
How does it work?
We receive referrals from various organisations, including schools, social work, NHS, the Advice Shop, Women’s Aid etc., on behalf of the children and families in need of our support. We match the sponsor to one of the young people referred to us and provide the sponsor with the age, size and sex of the child.
The sponsor then does the shopping and donates the required school items to us, so that we can pass them on directly to the family.
What kind of items do you need?
Every referral pack is different although most uniform packs include items such as skirts/trousers, polo shirts/shirts, a jacket, PE kit and footwear.
Do I have to buy it all?
No, not at all. We will provide you with details of what the child needs and you are welcome to provide all of the items or just a few – it is up to you!
Please do not feel obliged to purchase everything on the list, we appreciate this is very costly. We are grateful for all donations received. To spread the cost, you may want to think about sponsoring a child with family members or work colleagues.
Will my pack go direct to the family that has requested it?
Yes everything you purchase will go directly to your sponsored young person. You will be issued with a reference number, which equates to the child you have been matched with. Please enclose this number with your donation pack.
Where do I drop the items off?
The items can be dropped off at our office during opening hours:
Dryburgh House, Kirkton Campus, 3 Meikle Road, Livingston EH54 7DE.
Where should I buy the clothes from?
Anywhere you want! Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Primark all have low cost items that can be bought locally. Online can offer a fuller range of sizes and styles. Remember to use Amazon Smile or Easyfundraising to help raise even more funds for us!
How quickly do I have to provide the items?
Once you have committed to being a sponsor we ask if possible if you could get the items to us within 4-6 weeks. The summer is our busiest period of the year and we aim to get uniform packs to the child and family well before schools return. If you are having difficulty meeting this time frame, please get in touch.
What happens if I can’t get all the items?
Don’t worry! Just get what you can and we will provide the rest. Sometimes ordering online can be an easier option, as the shops don’t always have the sizes in stock.
I still have more questions who do I contact?
Please contact our admin by email at admin@schoolbank-westlothian.org