Sarah Martin (11) takes a look through the racks at the Second Hand Uniform Shop at Xavier House on Broughton St in Gore.
‘‘I am really concerned about what families are faced with,'' Salvation Army director of community ministries Captain Avis Owen said.
However, there were alternatives to buying all the required materials, such as uniforms, at once, Capt Owen said.
‘‘How many can afford to pay for both summer and winter uniforms all at once?
‘‘At the family store we are always grateful for donated secondhand school uniforms but they go out faster than they come in.''
Carmel Bone runs a second-hand school uniform shop out of Xavier House on Ardwick St where she sells St Peter's College and St Mary's School uniforms.
She estimated the cost of clothing a highschool girl for a year would be about $500 and a boy $250. This did not include the price of a blazer, which was compulsory at St Peter's College for year 11, 12 and 13 pupils and cost $200.
She said secondhand ties, kilts and summer skirts were hard to come by second-hand but she had plenty of PE gear, trousers, shorts and shirts available.
‘‘If you know a senior leaving school who will not need their uniform - grab it,'' Mrs Bone said.
‘‘Uniforms don't last long [advertised] in the papers either - they go in a flash.''
Ron Veint, who works in the menswear department of H&J Smiths in Gore, said the store had a credit plan for school uniforms and customers were given 10 months to pay. They must spend a minimum of $300 and normal credit checks applied.
He said the application process was ‘‘pretty quick'', especially if the applicant already had an account with the store.
Postie Plus manager Christine Ryder said the store had ‘‘miles of stock'' for all schools in the district including Blue Mountain College, Northern Southland College, Menzies College and Gore primary and high schools.
She said the store offered a layby programme over six weeks with a 10 per cent deposit. There was a minimum purchase of $20.
Mrs Ryder said the store had been very busy and got replacement stock every three days.
Work and Income regional commissioner for social development John Allen said help was available from Work and Income for people who were struggling to cope with schooling expenses such as stationery and uniforms.
‘‘Because these expenses are generally foreseeable, people are encouraged to plan ahead and budget for them,'' Mr Allen said.
‘‘For those who are unable to meet these costs, Work and Income may be able to help by providing an advance payment of benefit, in effect an interest-free loan that has to be repaid.
‘‘Assistance may also be available for lowincome earners and as with any financial assistance available from Work and Income, there are eligibility criteria to be met which include an income and asset test.''
He said nonrecoverable assistance was also an option, but only in exceptional circumstances.
Last year, Work and Income issued $5548 in assistance in the Gore district to help with extra schooling costs.
‘‘I would encourage people to contact us if they are facing financial hardship on 0800 559-009.''
