Our Story
Who we are
We aim to be the go-to service for anyone struggling to afford the essential day to day clothing for themselves or their children. We can also supply the much needed essential items for newborn babies.
Our Aims & Beliefs
Our belief is that no child or adult should have to be without clothing fit for all seasons, with changes. We also believe that all newborn babies and young children should not be without…
Enough clothing for all seasons with changes
Comfortable season appropriate footwear for each stage of growth
Age appropriate bed and suitable bedding
Key equipment and care products for the day to day care of an infant
Toys to assist with cognitive and physical development
Our Volunteers
Monklands Family & Clothing Aid has a core group of volunteers from various walks of life but who all have the qualities of empathy, passion and the want to make a difference to the lives of others in their community.
We are indebted to these wonderful volunteers, without whom we simply would not be able to function given the huge amount of work that goes into collecting and sorting our resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, the list below will tell you everything you need to know but if there’s anything else, you can always get in touch via email: diamondsitc@hotmail.com
I don’t have anyone to refer me, what do I do?
If you have no contact with anyone in our list of recommended professionals, please e-mail us at diamondsitc@hotmail.com stating your situation and we will be in touch to advise you.
Can we pick up donations?
If you have any donations you cannot bring to our premises, please e-mail us at diamondsitc@hotmail.com and we will do our best to organise a collection, however this may not always be possible.
How do you know aid is going to the "right" people?
We distribute items based on the referral of people “in need” through those who work with them on a professional level. This does not have to be a social worker or Doctor. It can be someone who may lead a group they attend, a librarian or someone from their school or nursery. We go on the trust that they have assessed for us the needs of the family through their relationship with them. This allows us to reach more “hard to reach” families who would not come forward without the support of a trusted person in their lives. If we have any concerns we investigate fully. We want our Donors to know that every effort is being made to ensure their donations are used within the rules of our ethos.
Why can’t you take car seats?
There are certain items we need but cannot accept second hand. This is always because of a health or safety low or recommendation. We reuse and recycle as much as we can, but cannot accept the following items:
- used car seats, even as part of a travel system
- used mattresses
- cot bumpers
- underwear and swimwear
- used dummies, feeding bottles and equipment
- cloth nappies, unless brand new
- cosmetics and toiletries that have been opened/unsealed
There is minor/superficial damage to a piece of equipment or some piece missing that I want to donate. Can you still take it?
We ask that any equipment donated is in a clean and good condition, but some scratches etc on a cot, for example, is not a problem. Safety features can never be compromised. Here is a guide for some common donations.
Cots:
- all pieces must be present and not broken in any way
- all fixtures and fittings to be labelled and attached in a bag or box
- instructions are helpful but we realise they are often not kept
High chairs and buggies:
- all safety straps, recline features and fixtures must be intact and fully working (we will ask for a demonstration)
- they must be clean and mould free
- for buggies, wheels must not have signs of excessive wear