During the dark days of the pandemic, there have been countless moments of light – gestures of compassion and a helping hand to those most in need.

Reporter Hilary Scott has spoken to Peebles charity Tweed Togs, which has provided much-needed clothing for 150 children across the Borders over the last three months.

“Thanks is simply too small a word”, says the chairwoman of Tweed Togs, Susan Walker, when speaking about the gratitude she feels towards communities who have helped the charity achieve its mission this year.

Following the summer, Tweed Togs' service normally quietens down. However, September saw a huge surge in referrals and all hands on deck to deliver clothing to families in need.

“Volunteers really stepped up and have been happy to help. It isn’t always about poverty – hopefully, for some, it’s just a temporary blip,” says Susan.

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COVID restrictions have meant a different way of collecting clothes and operating from their small premises within Kailzie Gardens.

Fundraising has also been compromised, but the generous donations have kept the vital charity afloat.

Susan explained: “People have made cash donations and we are so grateful to them because like other charities, we’ve got a reduced capacity to fundraise right now.

“Then there have been bigger companies that have really taken us to heart.

“Scottish Property Industry Festival of Christmas gave us £13,000 which means that all children that get referred will get new underwear – that alone is massive.

“There are other funders like Robertson Trust giving us £2,000 just to keep us going.

“Another mention has to be made of one of our supporters who applied on behalf of Tweed Togs to his company’s charitable fund and we got £100.

“That’s the kind of support we have from local people that is heartening.”

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‘More hands make light work’ – a saying that proved true at a time when Tweed Togs needed help the most. 

“Donations are great, but many people have given their time and without that we couldn’t have existed,” Susan said.

“Our premises are small and because of COVID we couldn’t all meet together. We had to arrange shifts to adhere to social distancing.

“Everybody has played their part. Those that couldn’t come to Kailzie for health reasons and were shielding, they took all the clothes and laundered them and prepared them into the gift bags ready for delivery”.

Word soon got out, and more members of the surrounding community were offering to launder clothes. The words ‘don’t worry I can do that for you’ became music to Susan’s ears.

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She added: “We don’t have a huge membership but just now we have satellite workers and they can work throughout the district.”

Galashiels Health Centre has played a vital role in the charity’s work, ensuring that families in Selkirkshire and Roxburghshire are catered for.

“Health Visitors from communities go to Galashiels to collect parcels. We are so grateful to the staff there – they have an enormous amount to cope with, yet they are happy to help always with a smile.”

With clothing drop-off stations limited because of COVID, the charity says it owes thanks to the businesses and schools throughout the region which have stored donations.

And the anonymous feedback from grateful families who have received clothes makes the hard work worth it. 

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One emotional message from a healthcare agency said: “My client was overwhelmed with the volume and quality of clothes.

"She felt her baby was valued and that she was able to dress her in clothes she would never be able to provide herself.”

Talking about the referrals, Susan says they are very simple with basic information, although some might add a little more about the child’s personality. 

“When you’re in amongst it all and you get a referral for say an active boy and you find something that hits the spot, like waterproofs or jogging bottoms, you’re just relieved.

"If one comes through for a girl that likes to dance, you try to find something with a wee bit sequins. During this time of year we try to put something Christmassy in.”

Speaking about the help from community-spirited people, Susan said: “All these gestures are above and beyond at a time when life is really challenging and we are very grateful for their support.

“The culture of support that goes around helps charities like ours continue.”