Uniforms 4 Kids is a volunteer based initiative that turns unwanted uniforms from police, corrections, ambulance and fire services into items of clothing for primary aged, disadvantaged kids.

Mount Isa PCYC Branch Manager Sergeant Bernadette Strow said they got involved because there were a number of communities that would benefit from receiving the items across the district.

"We thought instead of sending all the uniforms down south for them to come north again to our communities, it would be more beneficial to have a branch in Mount Isa we could make and distribute these pieces to the likes of Doomadgee, Camooweal, Dajarra and up the Cape," Sgt Strow said.

"Mount Isa PCYC also thought it would also be a great opportunity to bring together members of our community, maybe senior members, to enjoy getting together socially and making these items of clothing.

"Volunteers don't have to know how to sew as there are many other factors to repurposing these uniforms, like unpicking logos and ironing material."

Sgt Strow said this project was in the pipeline for 18 months and they were now seeking community members or groups to get involved.

"We are having an information morning tea at the Mount Isa PCYC on Friday February 5 at 10am and would like anyone interested in taking part to come along," she said.

"Everything is supplied to us by U4K. So they supply a sewing machine, the material, thread, patterns, and everything the group needs to get together and create these wonderful items of clothing for children in need.

"We have contacted some local organisations and seniors groups who might want to use this as a social opportunity to get together and make these pieces.

"We also want to get emergency services involved in the distribution of these items across North West communities. For example if we distribute to Doomadgee we would like to see local police and ambulance to help deliver them and build the rapport, friendship and relationships with kids in those communities."

U4K Director and Operations Coordinator Anne Macdonald said as of December 2020, U4K had distributed 17,269 items of clothing to children in Australia and various parts of the world.

"The smiles on the children's faces when they receive their clothes is priceless, for many of them this is the first new outfit they have ever had, for some their first outfit," Ms Macdonald said.

"This program fills volunteers with pride to see their work is helping the often less fortunate in the community. The laughter and conversation when these volunteers meet is infectious with positive feelings of self-worth, empowerment and new friendships being formed."

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