A LOCAL mum is hoping the North Ayrshire community can rally round and help kids make sure they have the best start to the school year.

Pauline Brady, who lives in West Kilbride and works as a support worker, set up ‘With Love’ last year to help underprivileged children and ensure that they got the essentials they need to kick off the school year in August.

She followed this up at Christmas time by collecting gifts for those in need and works closely with North Ayrshire’s Social Services and Women’s Aid to make sure the back to school packs are delivered safely and to people who need them.

Pauline hopes to raise as much money as possible.

She told the Herald: “Last year we managed to get 64 back to school packs.

“These include full uniform and some stationary and even folders for the older pupils.

“I started it because I became aware that government funding is really small and it really started playing on my mind.

“I spoke to social services and found out how in need they were.”

The packs, which are distributed to children across North Ayrshire, cost between £12 and £20 and every penny that is donated is used.

At Christmas, Pauline managed to garner support and had over 300 gifts to pass out.

She added: “We would like to get over 100 school packs, there is a collection point in Sainsbury’s and there is the funding page.”

If you would like to contribute, visit www.gofundme.com/2adjbus or search for With Love on Facebook.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We know that some families, through no fault of their own, face financial hardship and there are real pressures on them as their children prepare to start a new term at school.

“That’s why the ‘With Love’ campaign makes such a real difference to these families who would otherwise have difficulty in buying new uniforms, school bags and items such as pencil cases.

“This is a valuable, ongoing collaboration which has also allowed the children of clients to enjoy a special Christmas party and receive gifts.

“This is a fantastic initiative and one we are delighted to be involved in.”