Help us provide high-quality, preloved, kids’ clothing to families affected by cost of living increases and child poverty.
With the right clothing, kids can go to school confident and ready to learn; they can socialise and enjoy time with friends; they can participate in sports and other activities that support their wellbeing. But for some families in financial need, kitting out their kids can be a serious challenge.
Please help us provide free, fashionable and functional kids’ clothing packages for families in need across the city of Glasgow. Families complete online forms providing details about their kids’ size, clothing preferences, activities and interests so that ApparelXchange can create bespoke packages for each child, including uniforms, warm coats, shoes, and sportswear. Families can also put together their own clothing packages in person at our wardrobe warehouse, or use a voucher and buy online.
How it began
ApparelXchange - a Community Interest Company - was established in 2018 by Founding Director Izzie Eriksen, a parent of school-aged children who was motivated by what she saw to address the crisis of waste in children’s clothing, and the rising issues of financial pressures on families. Izzie created ApparelXchange to collect donations of second-hand clothes, footwear and accessories for re-sale at affordable prices, to reduce the impact of clothing on our planet, while shifting consumer behaviour to be more sustainable through knowledge and empowerment. We are an established and recognised provider of second-hand school aged kids’ clothing in Glasgow and beyond. Our operation is based at our city centre warehouse, where we do all our processing, retailing and support for our online store. From the very beginning, we have collaborated with strategic key partners including Glasgow City Council to provide packages to families affected by the cost of living and child poverty – among the most vulnerable in our community; we also work with a range of social partner organisations to maximise our reach.
Our clothing appeal
For many families, household budgets just aren’t enough to cover the cost of clothing and footwear required for their children. Even for families who receive a grant from the local authority for return to school, clothing needs stretch beyond just school uniform, and throughout the seasons.
We want all kids to thrive at home and school in high-quality clothes which express their individuality, while minimising the impact of clothing production on the environment. So whether they are going to school, a party, or participating in sport, we want them to feel confident, included and entirely themselves.
We have run our packages service for several years with demand constantly growing. During 2025 we provided over 850 packages, and during 2026 we are already projecting to deliver 1200, based on demand so far this year (2026). The cost of new clothing is increasing and putting a real strain on already limited household budgets.
We know the crucial impact that our packages can have because of our annual evaluation with all families we helped. For example, [NAME] said ‘QUOTE’
This year our target is £20,000, which will provide 400 vouchers worth £50 each. We know this amount is enough to really boost a wardrobe with a range of high-quality second-hand items.
This is where you come in.
Our packages not only give families in need the dignity of clothing their children well; it also means they are participating in a solution which reduces our impact on the climate. If you would like to help children in a planet-friendly fashion, then please donate what you can.
As a wee thank-you for donating, please accept a voucher for 20% off a shop at our warehouse or online.
How else can you help?
Donate pre-loved clothing to our city centre location: more details on our website www.apparelxchange.co.uk
Shop with us at 51 Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 7HF: your purchases cover our costs, local employment, a circular economy and allow us to grow sustainably.
Shop with us online at www.apparelxchange.co.uk, and invite your friends to do the same – we ship UK-wide!
Come and volunteer at our warehouse to prepare packages – contact [email protected]
Consider offering corporate sponsorship – contact [email protected]
And please share our message with friends and family - word of mouth is so powerful.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 20th September 2026 at 1:55pm