On 27th March 2024 Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE DL presented the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Airdrie Community School Clothing Bank .The photograph shows Gavin presenting the prestigious award to Kirsty Taggarty , the co-founder and chair of the organisation which was established in 2019 to empower families in need to help themselves through the reuse and recycling of school uniforms .
The highly committed group operates all year round with access through facebook , referrals or direct contact . Their base at 195 Main Street , Coatbridge is open Monday , Wednesday and Friday during school hours . On occasions their premises will open also on Saturdays, particularly during peak times such as the start of a new school term or after the summer break , with additional volunteers supporting at these times .
The Airdrie Uniform Bank has made a huge impact to date , meeting a growing need for support and mitigating the cost of living crisis through a supportive , cohesive , dignified and empowering approach .
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the United Kingdom for outstanding work in their local communities .
Members of the School Uniform Bank with the KAVS – From Left to Right -Lynne Edgar , Debbie Chalmers , Kirsty Taggarty ,
Nicola Smith and Natalie Stewart .