A Fife-based outreach project which has raised cash for the Salvation Army and provided employment and volunteering opportunities for locals has been forced to close.
The Glenrothes Furniture Project, which is based in the town’s Eastfield Industrial Estate, aims to provide practical help to local people who need it and to generate funds that will stay in Glenrothes to support the valuable work done by the Salvation Army.
Selling items of affordable pre-loved furniture out of its unit in Woodgate Way, the venture has given a number of young or unemployed people the chance to develop their skills via training, with any surplus cash being raised going to the town’s Salvation Army branch in Caskieberran Road.
However, the impact of Covid-19 and the resulting restrictions has not been lost on those behind the project, who have conceded that the time is now right for operations to wind down.
The unit will close down at the end of October, and cut-price furniture will be on offer until that date to help clear the warehouse.
A spokesperson said the decision had been taken with “deepest regret”.
“2020 has been a very tough year and we simply cannot continue,” they added.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff, volunteers and of course our amazing customers.”
The furniture store was also home to the project’s Bride to Bride service, which offered brand new, ex-display and pre-loved wedding dresses and gowns for all ages and sizes.
That too will be wound down in anticipation of closing in October.
A 30% sale has been organised, starting from Wednesday, to sell surplus stock, although bookings are necessary for Bride to Bride due to track and trace requirements.
The unit will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4.30pm.