Salvation Army launches furniture project to boost youth work in Glenrothes
published on 4 Dec 2014
The Salvation Army in Glenrothes is hoping a new furniture project will boost its work with young people – and help cut down on landfill.
The Salvation Army has opened a furniture reuse showroom on Bankhead Industrial Estate, specialising in furniture and other large items. Volunteers at the store, under the guidance of manager Laura Taylor and assistant manager Leanne Goddard, will also be on hand to offer a range of support to people referred for assistance.
Profits from the reuse project will enable The Salvation Army to support local young people through a range of projects and activities at its church on Caskieberran Road.
Daniel Rous, divisional charity shops operations manager, said: “Firstly, the project will give people access to low-cost, affordable furniture.
“It'll also offer volunteer and training opportunities to help people get skills that will enable them to go on and get jobs.
“And obviously it will have a positive environmental effect by helping cut down on the amount of the furniture that ends up in landfill.
“But ultimately we’re here to support what The Salvation Army is doing in Glenrothes. All profits from this project will support the church’s outreach in the town, especially focussing on youth and community work.
“The Salvation Army in Glenrothes welcomes around 100 young people through its doors every week to various playgroups and children’s clubs so the project will directly support this community outreach. When people buy a piece of furniture they are helping the work of The Salvation Army locally.
“The project has had fantastic support so far, and a number of organisations have gone the extra mile to help us get it up and running. These include Lundin Homes, Community Payback, A2B Van Hire, The Fife Group and The Sign Company. We're also building on links with a range of support and social welfare organisations locally to maximise the support that this project can offer.”
Project manager Laura says it is a joy to be working for The Salvation Army and revealed that her two children were once members of its youth club in Glenrothes.
She said: “The Salvation Army has such a strong hub in the community so when I saw the job advertised on social media I was determined to go for it.
“My kids attended Salvation Army clubs in the past and it was through following the church online that I saw the advert.
“I’m looking forward to working with the volunteers to provide them with proper work placements and help them build their skills.”
The Glenrothes furniture reuse project, at 5 Bankhead Avenue, is one of a range of Salvation Army charity shops and furniture projects across the east of Scotland that offer practical support to people in the area that they’re based.
Lieutenant-Colonel Carol Bailey, The Salvation Army’s leader in the east of Scotland, said: “During a time when budgets are tight and there is great need in our communities, our furniture reuse projects provide a great place to purchase good quality items at a reasonable cost, as well as being informal calling points for local people to find support.”
The Salvation Army’s furniture reuse showroom in Glenrothes is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Collection of unwanted but usable items is free of charge within the local area. To donate any items or find out more about the project, call Laura or Leanne on 01592 771577, email: glenrothes.furniture@salvationarmy.org.uk or find them on Facebook here