A Kirkcaldy barber has been left with a van-load of clothes after a homeless charity was unable to accept them.
Mark Reynolds of Revolution Barbershop has been collecting for Crisis at Christmas.
But after encouraging people to “purge their closets” and hand in any unwanted garments, he has discovered the organisation isn’t taking pre-loved items due to Covid rules.
And he is now seeking a cause willing to accept some of the dozens of bags of clothes handed in so far.
The 47-year-old has already found a use for the many donated coats.
They have gone to Wendy Brown of fellow-High Street business Balance Fife, which invites people to take a coat for free from outside her shop.
However, all the other items are still waiting for a home.
Mark, who has owned his award-winning Kirkcaldy shop for six years, said: “We need to find a place to put these. I’ve come up with nothing.”
Anticipating more donations
Three years ago generous customers donated 120 bags of clothes, which filled three vans.
Mark, who hails from San Diego, California, gave them to Crisis for Christmas as he volunteers at its Edinburgh centre each year.
He cuts hair and offers shaves during the charity’s wellbeing day, when people without a home can also receive a hot meal, watch a movie and enjoy a Christmas party.
Mark said: “I put a post on Facebook saying purge your closets, I’m going in.
“People have been so kind and handed in lots.
“But it turns out Crisis at Christmas don’t take pre-loved items.
“I’ve got one van-load right now and I anticipate more because people are still responding.
“I’ve given the coats to Wendy to get them on people’s backs now.
“It’s cold, people need them.”
‘Take what you need’
Wendy said she was delighted to take coats and hoodies to pass on to anyone in need.
“If we can reuse and recycle our coats and hoodies and give someone else the use of them this winter then it helps to reduce waste,” she said.
“It also helps people save money for other household items.
“People should feel comfortable to just have a rummage and take what they need.”
Any group who would like some clothes can contact Mark at Revolution Barbershop.
Conversation