Thomas Baldwin reports on the work of a church in Falkirk which has grown from a school uniform project into a bigger community programme.

A SCHOOL uniform project set up last year has developed into a multifaceted community programme for a Falkirk church.

Labelled With Love was initially set up by a group from Falkirk Trinity Church to provide new school uniforms for children from families which were struggling financially. They have since branched out into providing other clothing (new and second hand), Christmas meals, and supporting other community organisations.

Shona Penman, one of the Labelled With Love group, said: “The start of the Covid-19 pandemic last year led a group of us from Falkirk Trinity to reach out to our local community to see where the need was greatest in supporting children and families and show God’s love. Links were established with the local primary schools, social work department, health workers and Young Carers, and the group was led by the needs identified as pressing for children and families by those agencies.”

While the uniforms provided were brand new, good quality second hand clothing was also bagged and distributed. The group then decided to provide winter jackets and other clothing and shoes that were frequently requested from the partner agencies. One school asked for wellies for children to wear in the playground.

The group chose its name as each bag of clothing has a label on it: ‘With love from Falkirk Trinity Church’.

Shona added: “Sometimes we have provided extra items to ensure the children have enough clothes for their use, and often these children and families have found themselves in extremely difficult circumstances. The feedback has been very positive as we are providing at the point of need and therefore transforming the lives of the children and families at that crucial time. We will continue to be led by the needs of the community, through the knowledge of the other services, to try to provide what is required.”

Over the year further links have been established with Graeme High School, CrossReach’s Polmont Visitors Centre, and a local charity supporting refugees. In association with Hallglen Pantry they have also supplied Christmas meals in a bag. Following a number of tragic incidents where young people in the community had taken their own lives, they supported the furnishing of a room within the Ettrick Dochart Community Hall in Falkirk as a place for young people to meet.

Labelled With Love packed uniforms

Uniforms and donations have come from the local Asda, Morrisons and Tesco stores and sportswear was provided by RJM Sportswear. The group has also received a grant from Forth Giving as well as donations from the Trinity congregation.

Shona added: “The generous contributions from our congregation and other friends and family has been fantastic. We are forever grateful for ongoing provision and answer to prayer.”