Uitkoms Home for Girls in Observatory asks for back-to-school donations
OBSERVATORY – About 21 girls require donations, especially school bags and shoes.
A local charity is asking the community for donations of school bags and shoes to assist those in need.
Uitkoms Home for Girls began as a shelter for pregnant girls in 1944 but, over the years, the home has broadened its work to include non-discriminatory care of all vulnerable teenage girls.
The home now operates as a residential facility situated in Observatory and provides residential care, protection, education, professional therapy, life skills training, recreational programs and spiritual support.
As part of this year’s back-to-school campaign, the home asked the public to assist the girls with their academic needs. According to Yolanda Erasmus, an administration officer at the home, about 21 girls require donations, especially school bags and shoes.
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Erasmus said they receive a subsidy from the Department of Social Development, however, this only equates to about one-third of the cost of maintaining each child. She explained that Uitkoms, as with the entire welfare sector, has an ongoing battle to make ends meet. “Corporate funding is almost non-existent and the increase in the cost of living has seriously affected assistance from the private sector,” Erasmus said.
“This results in financial constraints making it difficult to maintain the quality care we have provided for the girls. Any help that we can get will be greatly appreciated and will assist us with the ongoing care of girls who find themselves in a predicament through no fault of their own.”
The home also requires ‘pre-loved’ furniture, electrical gadgets, bags, shoes, jumble sale items, cash, second-hand/new clothing, groceries, sanitary towels and food.
Erasmus concluded that this is an ongoing plea for the entire year so anyone who might wish to donate, can do it anytime at the home on St Georges Road, Observatory.
Details: Uitkoms Home for Girls 011 487 0357.
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