Record numbers of families apply for Back to School assistance

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A record number of families have sought assistance for Back to School costs from the St Vincent de Paul this year.

The Society say that over 5,000 families applied for some form of Back to School help.

But the charity is warning that the true number could be a lot higher as they say families are cutting back on essentials like food and heating in order to afford school costs.

Speaking on Tipp Today this morning, the National President of the Saint Vincent de Paul, Clonmel man Kieran Stafford says the voluntary contribution is proving especially difficult for already struggling families

Audio: Kieran Stafford
[CLIP]